A WILDLIFE habitat policy and the re-designation of two Wharfedale villages as Local Growth Centres have come under scrutiny from a Government planning inspector in a new hearing this week regarding the Core Strategy of Bradford Council's Local Plan.

Planning inspector Stephen Pratt is examining modifications made by the local authority to the central policy document of its planning and development blueprint for the district.

Among the major points of debate are the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) – which may restrict building close to Ilkley Moor and the wider Rombalds Moor – and the re-designation of Menston and Burley-in-Wharfedale as Local Growth Centres.

The modifications have resulted in previous housing figures for Ilkley – between now and 2030 – being revised from 800 to 1,000, while Burley's allocation rose from 200 to 700 and Menston's from 400 to 600.

Modifications came after previous housing allocation figures drafted by Bradford Council officers were challenged by a consortium of developers at Core Strategy hearings a year ago.

Councillors representing the valley and local organisations are attending the hearings in Saltaire this week.

Ilkley ward councillor, Anne Hawkesworth, said the council had capitulated on challenges to the HRA

"It still exists, but they're looking very much more towards mitigation, if possible," she said. "It wasn't particularly positive as far as the HRA is concerned."

Changes proposed to Burley and Menston's status under the Core Strategy modifications were discussed on Tuesday, and detailed discussion of settlements in Wharfedale were expected yesterday afternoon.

Organisations, including Ilkley Design Statement Group and a residents' group from Ben Rhydding, were among those attending the hearing yesterday.

Mr Pratt told the hearing yesterday morning he had driven through the settlements in Wharfedale on Monday evening, and only encountered road congestion at the current roadworks on the A65 in Ilkley

The first day of the examination hearings, on Tuesday, also focused on general modifications to the Core Strategy. Changes to the policy affecting Silsden and the impact on the local infrastructure were debated on Tuesday morning.

It has also been confirmed tomorrow will include detailed discussion on flooding and flood risk implications, looking at new evidence. Menston campaigners have been challenging Bradford Council and housing developers on information about potential flood risk in the village, particularly in light of developments currently proposed. They commissioned their own assessment of local flooding risk.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.