RESIDENTS across Wharfedale have officially objected to plans for 100 retirement homes and a 77-bedroom care home on Ilkley land previously earmarked for a new Tesco supermarket.

The application by McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd and Tesco Plc was last week re-validated by Bradford Council and opened up for public comment.

Objectors have questioned the need for more retirement housing, instead calling for affordable housing or starter homes on the site, as well as more parking.

The planning application is to build 44 retirement living apartments plus 56 assisted living units, as well as a 77-bed care home, office building and children's nursery.

From comments registered in Bradford Council's planning portal, one objector said: "What Ilkley needs are more shops (not coffee shops), parking, leisure facilities and housing for first-time buyers to invest in the long-term future of Ilkley and introduce new blood to the town."

Another said: "To secure a future, the town needs to attract young families, and to do that, needs affordable housing. It doesn't need more retirement homes for what is already a disproportionately-high retired population."

Others suggested building a new school or a leisure park on the land.

Ward councillor, Anne Hawkesworth, also intends to submit comments criticising the plans.

She said: "There is inadequate parking. The use completely for elderly, I believe to be inappropriate, with no starter homes. I find the size of the office block intriguing."

Tesco revealed last August it had sold the land at Railway Road and Mayfield Road, after announcing it was pulling out of the controversial new store plans the previous year.

Major national retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone went on to hold an exhibition in the town, giving people a glimpse of plans for the site, which also includes extensions to the neighbouring factory of expanding engineering firm Spooner Industries.

Other residents who sent comments have said they would like to see changes to certain parts of the plan, but praised other aspects.

And at least one representation has been made in support of then bid, claiming the retirement homes would free up family properties in the area for young people, also stating it is important Spooner gets the land it requires to continue its business in Ilkley.

The statutory timescale for publicity runs until March 3. The determination deadline for the plan is April 14.