A RETIREMENT housebuilder behind plans for 27 apartments in the grounds of the historic Craiglands Hotel says there is a need for this type of development in Ilkley.

Ortus Homes, part of McCarthy & Stone, expects its plans for the land by the Victorian hydropathic establishment to go before Bradford District Council’s Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel this summer.

If approved, the development will see the Cowpasture Road land redeveloped with 27 two-bedroom apartments, in an age-exclusive development for the over 55s.

The development, which would including provision of on-site car parking spaces set in landscaped gardens, would also inject funding into the neighbouring hotel itself, to create new spa facilities in its basement.

The plans have attracted opposition from several residents, with concerns including car parking spilling out into the street. The land earmarked for the apartments is one of the hotel's car parks.

But McCarthy & Stone says it is encouraged by positive feedback for the scheme, and believes it will help with local housing issues.

The company carried out a consultation on its early proposals, including a public exhibition held in April, to which more than 900 residents, businesses and stakeholders were invited.

McCarthy & Stone (Northern Region) regional managing director, Steve Secker, said: “We are encouraged by the positive feedback our proposals have received throughout the consultation process, and would like to thank those who have taken the time to provide us with their views.

“We hope members and officers at Bradford District Council will also see the benefits of the scheme when determining the application, as we believe there is much demand for this type of housing in Ilkley.”

Among those raising concerns about the scheme are ward councillor Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley) and Ilkley Civic Society.

In a letter on behalf of the Civic Society, chairman, Helen Kidman, said: "We acknowledge the Craiglands Hotel needs development and that this cannot be achieved without a source of funds. However, by selling off areas of the grounds for housing, the hotel is reducing its setting and building in problems for the future."

McCarthy & Stone offered residents the chance to find out more about the planning application by calling its Freephone project information line on 0800 2987040 or visiting the project website at mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/ilkley.