Library could be replaced in store proposal (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Co-op wants to take over Burley library
1:00pm Thursday 28th July 2011 in News
Co-op bosses want to move out of their store in Burley-in-Wharfedale into bigger premises - and they have their eye on the village library building.
A village library could be transformed into a supermarket in a scheme to safeguard its future.
Negotiations have been going on for months between Bradford Council and the Co-op about the library in Burley-in-Wharfedale.
The Co-op has a small store in the village, but needs to move to bigger premises and bosses have proposed turning the library building in Grange Road, into a supermarket, and building a new library on the first floor.
Now there are plans for a consultation and meeting on the scheme, while developers will make a presentation to Burley Parish Council on Monday, August 8. Wharfedale ward councillor Matt Palmer, who has been involved in discussions between the Council and the Co-op, says no decisions have yet been made.
“Some time ago the Co-op approached the council to propose relocating the Co-op to the current site and leasing the current library to them with a new library being built on the first floor,” he said.
“It would result in a new library facility, which would provide a similar facility to the one currently available. From the Co-op’s perspective, their current store is not fit for purpose and cannot be made fit for purpose and this would solve a lot of the Co-op’s problems.
“At this point in time, no decisions have been made and I have said very clearly to the Council and to the developer there needs to be a full public consultation before any decisions are made or any planning applications submitted. The developer and the council have both committed to this.”
Coun Palmer said the scheme could prove beneficial to the village and the library, but insisted no decision has been made.
“It’s a very old building and has a substantial backlog of maintenance which needs to be addressed regardless of whether this proposal goes through or not,” he said. “Until we know precisely what is proposed it’s very difficult to say whether this is the right solution for the village or not. We need to bear in mind what’s the best for the whole of the village.”
