The impact of increasing numbers of visitors to Ilkley Moor resulting from major housing development needs to be taken into account as planners formulate the Bradford district’s Local Plan, says a councillor.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth says there is a need for a survey looking at the impact of greater numbers of residents visiting the moors.

But she is concerned any attempts to provide recreation and leisure space elsewhere, should there be a major influx of housing, will not be a replacement for the common land of Ilkley Moor, where many local people choose to walk.

Local councillors are awaiting the next draft of the Core Strategy of Bradford Council’s forthcoming Local Plan, which will shape housing development across the district until 2028.