Six weeks not enough for Local Plan ‘consultation’

There is no doubt that much work has been put into producing the Local Plan; it is indeed an impressive document and together with the supporting documents would take a resident with the available time, weeks to read and then follow-up. However only a six weeks ‘consultation’ period has been given and this is not sufficient time for most residents to be able to fully comprehend all the relevant information and data contained in it.

But we have elected representatives to review and provide their views on such issues, and these views, whether at a local level or a national level, are almost as one: The Coalition Governing Document: Our Programme for Government clearly states:

• We will radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live; and
• We will maintain the Green Belt, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and other environmental protections, and create a new designation – similar to SSSIs – to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities.

The Conservative Party’s National Framework for Development states:

• We will maintain national Green Belt protection, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other environmental designations, which protect the character of our country’s landscape, stop unsustainable urban sprawl and preserve wildlife.

Ilkley and Ben Rhydding Parish and local councillors have shown great determination and leadership, to prevent this destruction of Ilkley over the past few months (and it must be remembered that these representatives are part-time and are not paid).

So we then are left with (the Labour- controlled) Bradford Council, who have endorsed the Local Plan Core Strategy, but are trying to escape their responsibility by saying it is up to local parish councils to decide whether to build on green belt. But for Ilkley, there are few options but to build on green belt.

Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of local meetings in the area but Bradford Council have been too weak to defend their own document – this is pure cowardice.

However, we are all fully aware of the problems of building 800 houses in Ilkley:

• The local schools can’t take in another 1,500 children into the area;
• The A65 can’t take another 800 cars each morning and evening;
• The Wharfedale line can’t take another 500 passengers each way per day.
• The drainage systems can’t cope with the concreting of our fields;
• The road through the town centre can’t take any more traffic;
• There is insufficient car parking in Ilkley;
• Our excellent medical centre won’t able to cope with 3,000 more patients; and
• It will harm the beauty and thus reduce the number of visitors to our town.

Please don’t let them ruin our ‘Green and Pleasant Land.’

Paul Barrett, Wheatley Lane, Ilkley

We’ll stand and wonder where those views went

I am increasingly concerned about the massive increase in housing planned for Lower Wharfedale.

In a few years’ time, we will stand on the Chevin or on Ilkley Moor, wondering where those breathtaking views went.

Equally worryingly, the respective plans by Bradford and Leeds City Councils are done without thought to the impact on our schools, roads and other amenities, such as doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and specialist healthcare.

We must combine forces and urge our councillors and MPs to make these city councils give proper consideration to the use of brownfield before greenfield; to the impact of the additional thousands of cars on an already crumbling A660; and to provision of suitable school places.

The press coverage of the Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Live even refers to Otley as a suburb of Leeds. Much indignation on Twitter and Facebook last week!

If you don’t want to see Otley become just another suburb, there is a public meeting in Otley on March 31, at 7.30pm at Otley Methodist Church. If you care about the future of Otley and of Lower Wharfedale, you are urged to attend.

Jane Trewhella, Danefield Terrace, Otley

Preserving our ‘quality’ is by no over-development

I’m sure many residents will agree that Otley is indeed ‘one of the best in the country to live in’ (Wharfedale & Airedale Observer, March 20). Two of the criteria of the Sunday Times were ‘best quality of life’ and ‘attractive outdoor spaces’. This is what we must preserve by preventing over-development occurring, especially not on our precious green fields. However, if the developers and Leeds City Council get their way? Do residents know that Leeds City Council have sanctioned the building of over 1,100 more houses in Otley? Do residents know that developers have plans to build 550 of these houses plus industry on all the green fields off the Cambridge Estate, all the way to Stephen Smith’s Garden Centre?

If you: drive a car, have children, like walking and love where you live, these proposals will affect you! Leeds City Council have NOT proposed to ease traffic congestion, build a new school, provide new doctors’ or dentists’ surgeries, or provide more parking spaces; and even if they had, it seems they can still squirm their way out of any commitments, as happened at the High Royds development in Menston (Dr Steve Ellams, letters page, March 20). Residents can find out more at a public meeting on Monday at 7.30pm, Otley Methodist Church. Visit the website and sign the petition: otleydevelopment disgrace.webs.com

Cathy Theaker, Old St Clair Road, Otley

Some details on history of Summer Cross building

Some details that were not included in last week’s excellent front page story on the state of the Summer Cross.

The Summer Cross stands on a visible and historic site previously occupied by Busk House on the edge of extensive orchards. Busk House was demolished in the early part of the 19th century and replaced by a building known as Summer Cross Cottage. This building became the Summer Cross Inn and, later in the 19th century, the large extension to the front was added.

A plaque in the pub alleged that the ‘summer cross’ related to a nearby fording point for livestock on the Wharfe. When the security fencing was erected enclosing the car park this blocked a long-established public right of way (avoiding the narrow and dark Ings Lane).

Ample evidence of its long-term use as a right of way was submitted to Leeds City Council in January 2008. The last news on this (several years later) was that the case was still a long way down a list of rights of way to be investigated by the Council. In March 2008 three Yorkshire stone roof slabs were removed (probably stolen) from just below the ridge of the roof on the older part of the Summer Cross. The then owner (Chartford Homes) was informed at the time, but that area of roof has remained open to the elements ever since.

If you are able, please attend the ‘Otley – Just Another Suburb’ public meeting at Otley Methodist Church at 7.30pm, on Monday, March 31.

Alastair Watson, Otley

Tour offers the town plenty of opportunities on a plate

The fuss over the precept clouds a brave decision by Ilkley Parish Council and detracts from the real issue: how does Ilkley take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of having the world’s largest annual sporting event rolling straight through the town centre?

The Tour de France offers, on a plate, unbelievable and multi-layered opportunities: for local businesses to make substantial revenues; for local sports clubs to enhance memberships; the local community to share in heightened spirits; the local schools to share the inspiration and motivation as their pupils witness displays of tremendous athletic capability, resilience and courage; and, a world-wide audience that will see the beauty of Ilkley beamed into their living rooms.

Taking a Return on Investment perspective, the question we should be answering is: what are we doing to maximise this opportunity? How do we attract more people into Ilkley, rather than have them spend their money in Harewood, Hawes or Harrogate?

The 2007 Grand Depart saw two million people watch the two days of South East England-based stages – it generated £88 million of extra income. Since then cycling has becoming substantially more popular boosted by the Olympics and two British TdF winners. All this before you consider the impact on spectator numbers that a British stage winner poses.

Revenues aside, the most important factor is the inspiration that such a sporting event encourages. The long-term effects on youngsters (and the heightened community spirit) are unquantifiable yet I guarantee will go further than other traditional parish spending. Well done Ilkley Parish Council for having the courage to ensure the wheels are well and truly rolling so that we and our children all benefit.

Jack Rickard MBE, Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding

Feel free to say something in parish council meetings

I wish to respond to the comments on these letters pages last week by Mr Edward Wild relating to the workings and decision-making processes of the Ilkley Parish Council.

Having been present at many meetings, it is observed that Mr Wild takes great delight in sitting in parish meetings and establishes himself in the corner taking copious notes.

However at the point in all meetings when members of the public are invited to speak and voice their views he remains absolutely silent.

If Mr Wild feels in so much discomfort about the Parish Council and the work it does in the community and financial support given to 24 mainly voluntary organisations, amounting to over £55,000 over the last 12 months, he should at least have the courage of contributing to the meeting. This is in contrast to making comments, together with his followers, about the Council and pointed remarks about certain members in the columns of this publication.

Ilkley Parish Councillor Mike Ridgway, Chairman of the Awards and Projects Committee

Democratic council tries to reflect views of the majority

E Wild’s letter of March 20, with his criticism of Councillor Mike Gibbons, was really very sad, being aimed purely as a pre-election attack.

He really shouldn’t sink to the level of national politicians – of all parties – who behave in that way.

I would be surprised if Mr Wild has found in life that he agrees with everything any one person says, even his political colleagues.

Despite its make-up, Ilkley Parish Council is democratic and endeavours to reflect the views of the majority of the people of Ilkley.

I have to accept that my own view on the Parish Precept has been modified – although not destroyed – because of the help that has been given to a good cross section of town organizations, but do object to rises when Bradford does not seem to give Ilkley a fair share of Community money.

However, despite occasionally disagreeing with Coun Gibbons, I have always been aware that he is one of the top hardest working parish councillors over the last few years and has given endless time to creating and driving forward successful events, working for those initiated by others, and continuing the fight for reinstating some of our hospital amenities. All of which take a lot of personal time. Unfortunately I have no information as to what Mr Wild contributes to Ilkley.

Hopefully. he will at least have made a contribution to the fight against over-development in Ilkley and Wharfedale if he attended the parish meeting on that subject, which was so ably chaired by Coun Gibbons.

B J Cussons Curly Hill, Ilkley

Wonderful performances worthy of the West End!

It’s late Sunday evening and I have just returned from seeing a production by Upstagers of Les Miserables. What an evening!

I paid £12 to see a performance that was worth so much more, it was just outstanding. The principals, chorus and small orchestra were so good – well actually good doesn’t begin to cover it, they were wonderful.

The young people involved clearly enjoyed giving so much pleasure to the audience, the singing was just inspired and the work was obviously appreciated by a very well deserved standing ovation to the superb cast and musicians. Of course, I should not forget the Kings Hall staff for their quality input.

I have seen many times the West End productions and this was indeed worthy of comparison to those professional performances. Gill Jackson and all the Upstagers team have once again given joy to so many and produced a fine and entertaining series of performances. Ilkley, a relatively small town once again ‘punching above its weight’, a town that can be so proud of its young. Thank you and well done!

Coun Mike Gibbons, Chairman, Ilkley Parish Council