BARCHESTER Healthcare Limited is appealing against the decision of Bradford Council to refuse a planning application to demolish Hollycroft Care Home at 16 Hebers Ghyll Drive, Ilkley and replace it with a new build 31-bed care home.

The application had attracted widespread objections and was refused by Bradford Council in August.

Giving reasons for the refusal Bradford Council Planning Officer Stewart Currie said at the time: "On balance, it is considered that the harm to the Conservation Area, as a consequence of the demolition of the building, would outweigh any public benefits derived from the application."

He added: "The proposed development would fail to conserve or enhance the heritage significance of Ilkley Conservation Area as it would conflict with established and characteristic architectural styles, building form, palette of materials, spatial qualities of the buildings and their plots, within the Conservation Area."

And: "The proposed development and the demolition of a non-designated heritage asset, Hollycroft, would be contrary to Core Strategy Policy EN3, as it fails to protect or enhance the heritage significance of the non-designated heritage asset and fails to respect or reinforce, the character of the non-designated heritage asset."

The application had attracted 55 objections and just two letters of support. Ilkley Town Council had objected saying: "This handsome building should be restored not demolished."

However, in their appeal Barchester say they conservatively estimate that over £700,000 would need to be spent on essential building works, excluding the costs of electrical, plumbing or refurbishment works and even then, the general layout of the accommodation within the building would not allow the building to be used as a care home.

They say they consider the impact of the loss of the building would be limited given the high level of alterations which detract from its architectural interest.

They add in the appeal document: "Collectively, the public benefits (which, in this case, include the provision of high-quality care home accommodation to address a pressing local need on a sustainable site, re-instating the lawful use of the land, contributing to the Council’s 5-year housing land supply shortfall, freeing up other under-occupied housing within the vicinity of the site and providing jobs for local people) provide a convincing reason for the acknowledged harm to the significance of the identified heritage assets (both designated and non-designated)."

The appeal has been made to the Secretary of State and is to be decided on the basis of written representations. All representations made to Bradford Council on the application have been forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate and the appellant. These will be considered by the Inspector when determining the appeal.

People are advised if they wish to make comments, or modify/withdraw previous representation, they can do so online at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can send your comments to Roxanne Gold at Room 3D Eagle Wing Temple, Quay House 2 The Square Bristol BS1 6PN.

All representations must be received within five weeks of the start date of November 25.

All representations must quote the Inspectorate Reference Number: APP/W4705/W/22/3310796 .

The original application 21/02958/MAF together with details for the appeal can be viewed on the Council’s online planning system at www.bradford.gov.uk/onlineplanning. The relevant documents can also be viewed at Britannia House, Hall Ings during normal office hours.

When made, the decision will be published online at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk