THANK you for publishing the news that planning permission has been submitted for the demolition of Hollycroft in West Ilkley, and its replacement with a large modern care home.

Hollycroft is a Key Unlisted Historic Building and lies within the Ilkley Conservation Area. It was built in 1904 as a private home which was later converted to a care home which operated for forty years. It has been left empty for over four years and was allowed to degrade by its owners. The grounds are currently a bit of a refuge for wildlife.

As neighbours we recognise that some change or development of the site must occur and an appropriately designed care home may not be objected to. However, the demolition of the current building and the creation of a new, much larger one, which is very close to the neighbouring boundaries is not appropriate development.

We would like to correct the statements made in your article that ‘the applicant has had informal discussions with residents’ and the implied support for their application. It is definitely not so. This statement is at best inaccurate. Owners of neighbouring properties did grant permission to access their land in order to repair Hollycroft drains, but there has been no meaningful consultation with neighbours about future plans as has been claimed.

Nearby Residents

Anderson, 107 Grove Road.

Howard, 109 Grove Road

Guest, Orion, Hebers Ghyll Drive

Wilkinson,Barn Cottage, Hebers Ghyll Drive

Ogden, Ghyll Croft, Hebers Ghyll Drive

Alton, Low Ghyll, Hebers Ghyll Drive

Huggon, Westcote Hebers Ghyll Drive