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Ilkley flats site
Thursday 22nd July 2010
Plans are being drawn up for much-needed affordable homes to replace outdated housing trust flats soon to be demolished in Ilkley.
Answering long-running calls to provide more housing for members of the community unable to afford the town's high house prices, housing trust group Incommunities says it is working on schemes for new housing.
The Incommunities Group, the largest social housing provider in the Bradford District, is working on schemes to replace 30 unoccupied flats at Dale Court, Fieldway, with new homes.
Although no detailed scheme has yet been unveiled, it has been revealed that the development could include both homes for rent, as well as houses for sale or for shared ownership.
The trust is also investigating ways of funding the new homes, amid the national spending squeeze.
The housing group recently consulted planners on demolishing the three blocks of 'old fashioned' and difficult-to-let flats, which have shared toilets and bathrooms. Incommunities plans to grass over the site awaiting future housing.
Demolishing the existing homes means the trust will not have to pay council charges, saving it money.
The housing group has found alternative homes for the last remaining tenants, and fears the site may be a magnet for vandals if the buildings, pictured, are left as they are.
Incommunities group chairman and Bradford councillor, Martin Smith, (Con, Ilkley) said: "We're putting schemes together but of course they require funding. We need to get it demolished because it leads to vandalism and we have to pay rates on it."
"It's still in the design stage, it's got a long way to go, but it will still be for affordable housing," he said.
He could not put a figure on the number of homes expected to be provided on the site, although he says there could be room to build more than the current 30 flats on the land "We may be able to get more on – it's quite a large site," said Coun Smith.
He says the scheme could be a mixed development, and this may include houses available for rent through Incommunities, as well as possibly affordable homes for sale or shared ownership.
However, Coun Smith said the spending review means the scheme is unlikely to move ahead quickly, although the housing provider may consider working in partnership with another organisation to provide new homes.
He also pointed out that the trust would have to find money to carry out the planned demolition and subsequent landscaping work.
There have been numerous calls for the provision of more affordable housing in the Ilkley area over the past ten years, as house prices have soared beyond the reach of young people who have grown up in the town, first-time buyers, and pensioners wanting smaller homes.
Attempts to build larger-scale affordable housing developments included an unsuccessful plan for homes on the former Ilkley Middle School site, Valley Drive, in 2005.
Consultation about housing in the area was more recently carried out in partnership by MHA Care Group and affordable housing provider Firebird Homes.
MHA gained planning permission earlier this year for a 56-home 'housing with care' scheme for the over 60s, including some affordable homes, on part of the former Middle School land.
There have been calls to demolish a Bradford Council building close to Dale Court, because of concern about vandalism.
Ilkley Parish Council's plans committee this week asked if the building on the site could be demolished along with the Dale Court flats. Coun Smith said he was also keen for Bradford Council to knock down the other building at the rear of the site.
Unique record of Ilkley's transport history goes on display
Thursday 22nd July 2010
A unique pair of books detailing the life-changing introduction of railway lines to connect Ilkley to the nation goes on display this week.
The two books, valued at £500 each, contain plans by the Midland and North Eastern Railway for the new line between Ilkley and Otley and the line connecting Ilkley to Apperley Bridge, near Bradford, which came into being in 1865.
The line, known as the Otley and Ilkley Joint Railway, ran for 100 years until July 1965, when the Ilkley to Otley section was closed as part of the infamous Dr Beeching cuts.
Ilkley bookseller Christian White of Modern First Editions, who is displaying the books, says they will be of great interest and importance to local historians and those who travelled along the line in years gone by.
"This is Victorian engineering on a grand scale," he said.
"Every house, every plot of land and its owner is named – you can calculate the exact depth at every point of the embankments between Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale.
"And from the map of Ilkley town centre it looks like the grammar school did okay from the compulsory purchase of land where the station was built.
"When you look at the effort that went into the creation of the lines, it only serves to reinforce the terrible loss to Wharfedale when Dr Beeching closed the Ilkley to Otley line in 1965 exactly a century after it had opened."
As well as the map of the planned railway lines, the book also includes jottings by members of the Midlands Railway detailing land sales, and the fact WH Smith held the right "as to advertising and bookstalls on the joint line" until 1915.
The books will be on display as part of the the PBFA Ilkley Bookfair, which takes place at King’s Hall and Winter Garden in Ilkley from noon to 6.30pm on Friday and 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday.
More big names line up for Ilkley Literature Festival
Thursday 22nd July 2010
Further famous names, including seafaring heroine Dame Ellen MacArthur, have been added to the line-up for this year's Ilkley Literature Festival.
The round-the-world yachtswoman has been confirmed in the final programme for this year's event, which will host more than 200 talks, readings and workshops over 17 days.
Iranian-born comedienne Shappi Khorsandi has also been booked to entertain as well as newsreader George Alagiah, who will talk about the global food chain. Festival favourites such as Louis de Bernieres, Will Self and Gervase Phinn are set to make a return.
Broadcasting legend Sir Michael Parkinson has already been named as a highlight of the festival, alongside Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, columnist Polly Toynbee, comics Alexei Sayle and Jenny Eclair and broadcaster Peter Snow. Fatima Bhutto, the niece of Benazir Bhutto, authors Roddy Doyle and Audrey Niffenegger and Indian media figure Kishwar Desai were also announced last month.
This year's themes aim to explore a range of ideas, from what it means to be British, to how science affects us, the history of famous people and places, and myths and truths behind environmental issues.
General appearances will include Culture Show and Sunday Telegraph art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon, who will talk about his new book on the Italian artist Caravaggio. And Keighley's own spin doctor Alistair Campbell is back to reveal further secrets following the publication of the first volume of his diaries, Prelude to Power.
Best-known for creating sitcom hero Reggie Perrin, David Nobbs will talk about his new book Obstacles on Young Love and Barbara Trapido, who wrote the critically acclaimed Frankie & Stankie, will discuss her seventh novel.
Eminent academics hoping to educate audiences will include Iraqi-born British historian Avi Shlaim, Professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford, who will examine the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, astronomer Professor Paul Murdin and BBC4's Science and Islam presenter Professor Jim al'Khalili.
Journalists Stephen Grey and James Fergusson will give a talk from a foreign correspondent's perspective about reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Local input will come from, among others, community archaeologist Gavin Edwards and Ilkley Brewery have even brewed a special beer for the occasion.
Festival director Rachel Feldberg said: "The festival offers a great opportunity for readers to discover new writers, encouraging them to try unknown events in the programme as well as the more well-known and established speakers.
"Audiences who enjoy listening to Dame Ellen MacArthur's talk on giving up sailing to work on saving the environment might also enjoy Charles Emmerson's talk on the arctic and global economy; those who like Louis De Bernieres' short stories should try Helen Simpson's and fans of Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy could discover a taste for Kate Fox's talk on news poetry."
The full programme will be available in print and on-line from Saturday, August 14. For details and to register on the mailing list, visit ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.
Menston campaigners issue call to arms
Thursday 22nd July 2010
Campaigners fighting against plans for nearly 350 new homes in Menston are preparing to put their case to a Government minister later this month.
But before then, the Menston Action Group (MAG) has issued a call to arms for all residents in the village to view the plans for the sites at Bingley Road and Derry Hill at a public information exhibition today.
Developers Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes will reveal further details about their proposals for the green field land at the Kirklands Community Centre, between 3 and 7pm.
Philip Moore, of MAG, who are working alongside Menston Parish Council and Menston Community Association, is trying to mobilise objectors to the plans and let as many people as possible know about the exhibition.
The group, who are also meeting Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood tomorrow, then want to gauge public opinion to the proposals they believe will put too much strain on the village's road network and general infrastructure.
"Basically, it wasn't that well advertised by the developers." Mr Moore said.
There were a few signposts and some people have had letters through their doors but not everybody, so we're letting people know about it.
"And then we will be speaking to people after they come out of the exhibition and will try to find out what they think about it."
It will be the first time for many villagers to get the opportunity to see what the developers want to do with the sites at Bingley Road and Derry Hill, which have had their Green Belt protection removed by a planning inspector in 2004.
"There were some draft plans put up at the end of January, but that was poorly advertised and very few people saw those." Mr Moore said.
And then on July 29, Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark will visit the village to have a look at the sites and talk to local residents after an invite from Shipley MP Philip Davies during Parliamentary questions at the House of Commons last month.
Mr Clark told the Commons he would be happy to meet locals and Mr Moore and the rest of MAG are hoping they will get the chance to put their objections to him.
"I am sure he will see clearly why these green field sites at Bingley Road and Derry Hill are not fit for purpose as housing estates." Mr Moore said.
Town could be one of greenest in UK
Friday 23rd July 2010
The community of Ilkley needs to get together if answers are to be found in time to problems of climate change and dwindling natural resources, according to a group aiming to make the town one of the greenest in the country.
Residents concerned about the environment want to follow in the footsteps of towns such as Totnes in Devon, by combining the efforts of the wider population in a joint effort to make Ilkley more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable.
People in the inspirational Devon town have got together to reduce carbon emissions, work on local projects for cleaner and non oil-dependent energy.
They even trade in a local currency, Totnes Pounds, in a scheme to boost the local economy and make it more self-sustaining.
More towns are already taking the initiative in a scheme linked to the national Transition Network organisation.
Transition Ilkley is inviting other residents and organisations to get involved in making Ilkley an official Transition town.
While Governments and local authorities are making some changes to help the environment, and many consumers are increasingly making greener choices, campaigners fear this is not enough to make a real difference.
Members of Transition Ilkley believe the most effective way of bringing real progress in greener living is for entire communities to work together. They have already introduced their ideas to Ilkley Parish Council, and hope to win the support of Bradford Council.
Transition Ilkley member Michael Baldwin believes whole towns should take the initiative to combat climate change and manage energy needs before oil and gas prices rocket as natural resources are exhausted.
"Towns like ours need to be doing their bit." he said. "If we wait for governments we'll be too late, if we act as individuals it won't be enough. If we work as a community there might just be enough time."
Communities already working on the Transition initiative are keeping an eye on Peak Oil – the point at which the world extraction of natural petroleum oil reaches its peak and goings into terminal decline.
Transition Ilkley wants to engaging with as many local organisations as possible to set up projects.
Schemes set up in Totnes include a food group encouraging residents to grow their own food, and develop a relocalised food infrastructure with the help of businesses and farmers.
An energy group in Totnes is meanwhile encouraging residents to reduce the amount of energy they use, and begin developing renewable energy infrastructure. Neighbours there can sign up to become official energy-efficient Transition Together groups, making them eligible for subsidised solar power systems.
People so far getting involved in Transition Ilkley include members of churches, the University of the Third Age organisation and environmental groups.
Transition Ilkley will hold its next meeting in the Dales Room at Christchurch, The Grove, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, July 28.
For more information about the group telephone 01943 602414.
Yorkshire's Leading Letting Agent Needs Even More Properties to Meet Demand
21st July 2009
Linley & Simpson is Yorkshire's largest residential letting specialist. It's branch in Brook Street, Ilkley, is the lastest addition to its network of eight offices offering unrivalled choice in the most sought-after areas to live.
With month-on-month growth the Ilkley branch has gone from strength-to-strength since opening it's doors last November. July has seen the highest number of lets achieved in a month so far. "Demand levels are at a record high throughout the Wharfe Valley" said Branch Manager Jon Graham, "with one bed flats through to high end detached properties letting very quickly". In light of this the Ilkley branch are keen to speak to local Landlords with any available property to let in order to meet this tenant demand. A particular shortage currently exists for affordable houses between £450pcm and £800pcm and three bedroomed accommodation. "Whether you're unhappy with your current Agent's progress or service, or whether you simply require assistance finding a tenant, we'd be delighted to speak to you" said Jon. Linley and Simpson offer very competitive fees including extremely attractive and individual terms for landlords with multiple properties.
"Although the housing market is showing very tentative signs of recovery, we are still finding many would-be buyers remaining cautious and biding their time until there is a more tangible change. First time buyers continue to be priced out of the market by tight lending criteria imposed by the financial establishments - unless they are able to borrow heavily from the Bank of Mum and Dad!" said Jon. This means that most people are now renting until well into their 30's.
For those wanting to maximise the 'rentability' of their property by using a letting agent, it's important to ensure they choose an agent who is properly qualified and with as many prospective tenants on its books as possible. Linley & Simpson ensures all its offices have ARLA-qualified staff.
Linley & Simpson currently have over 2,500 applicants registered who are actively seeking property, marking a high in the Company's 12 year history.
As letting specialists, Linley & Simpson focus solely on Lettings and Property Management - they do not diversify into any other areas of the property market. They keep themselves at the forefront of the many changes in legislation or trends affecting the market, giving Landlords and Tenants the assurance they need from a quality Agent.
In it's most recent campaign, and for a limited time only, Linley & Simpson are delighted to offer £50 off standard letting fees for new Landlords.
Please contact: Linley and Simpson, 30 Brook Street, Ilkley, LS29 8DE or telephone 01943 816888.
Terror police studied Tesco plan for Ilkley
18th May 2009
Anti-terror police were 'routinely' consulted over plans for a larger new Tesco supermarket in Ilkley, says Bradford Council.
A police counter terrorism unit was among the formal consultees contacted by Bradford Council planners over the plans for a supermarket at the former Spooner Industries factory site, off Railway Road and Mayfield Road.
Some opponents of the supermarket claimed the proposed store, which would be raised up, allowing space for car parking beneath the main shopping floor, could be a target for terrorist bombers.
Bradford Council has confirmed that a police counter terrorism unit was consulted about the super-market plans, but says this was a matter of routine in the planning process for large buildings such as shopping centres and supermarkets.
A spokesman for the council said: "The counter terrorism unit is routinely consulted on large buildings that are planned, such as supermarkets or shopping centres, which are likely to have large numbers of people in them at any one time."
The plan is awaiting consideration by Bradford Council's Keighley Area Planning Panel. The date for the planning meeting, expected to take place in Ilkley, has yet to be announced.
Wharfedale festival launches exciting programme
15th May 2009
The Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts begins on tomorrow and its secretary Elizabeth Sharp is hoping "everyone will enjoy what we have to offer in what we believe to be a breathtakingly exciting programme".
It kicks off with junior vocal classes at Riddings Hall followed by two new Musical Theatre Classes with performers from Ilkley Upstagers youth theatre group and the Bradford Stage and Theatre School.
Also new on Saturday are the electric guitar classes in the afternoon and the electronic keyboard classes in the evening at All Saints Church.
Mrs Sharp said: "We once again break new ground in our endless quest for innovation. Alongside the new, we also have the constantly growing traditional classical guitar classes, harp, and organ recital and back after a few years absence, St Barnabas Church Choir from Huddersfield and their church music group."
At a meeting this week, Ilkley Parish councillor Dawn Emsley praised the organisers of the 103rd festival. She said: "It is truly amazing how much preparation work there is. It runs like clockwork every year and there will be many classes held during the week."
Preparations for the prestigious event which attracts performers from all over the area and beyond are well under way. Mrs Sharp said: "It is going all right and everything will be in place by Friday night." Mrs Sharp said that there was still room for volunteers to help with running the event, which takes place in many different venues in Ilkley. If anyone would like to help they should telephone Mrs Sharp on 07860 786149.
On Sunday, May 11, the Baptist Church will hold the special service of rededication, and on Monday the speech and drama classes will begin at the church and at the Riddings Hall.
These will include children from schools in the centre of Bradford some of whom have never visited Ilkley nor entered a Christian church before.
On Tuesday there will be a cabaret-style band night at the Craiglands Hotel on Cowpasture Road.
"We are looking forward to a truly international evening as we welcome three steel bands and the home-grown Ilkley Music Centre big band," said Mrs Sharp.
On Thursday primary schools get involved to present short concerts of their own rehearsed material. These include All Saints Primary of Ilkley, Ben Rhydding Primary, Menston Primary, the Boyle and Petit School from Beamsley.
The festival continues through the week and culminates on Saturday afternoon with choirs and vocal groups at the Craiglands Hotel.
The Festival's celebration concert will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, June 10, at Christchurch. Mrs Sharp said: "We hope that all performers who are invited to take part will be able to do so, as we hope to organise a sparkling event".
Agents from Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley, Horsforth and Yeadon report improving sales
15th May 2009
The number of homes being sold is on the increase as the recession begins to loosen its hold over the property market, according to local estate agents.
The main reason is that sellers are bringing their prices into line with the financial climate.
One agency has reported further improvements in the market over the first four months of the year but warned that the recovery would only continue if vendors remained realistic about prices.
Their head of residential said: "Our sales over the last four months are marginally higher than for the same period last year.
"These healthy sales can be attributed to pragmatic vendors accepting that prices have fallen and reacting accordingly to offers on their homes.
"It is realism like this that will cultivate recovery in the property market, but improvements are fragile and attempts to raise prices simply not sustainable.
"We're also seeing a steady increase in first-time buyers returning to the market - they are being attracted by improved affordability, slightly more flexible lending and, of course, relatively cheap interest rates."
According to recent figures, the most active property sector is homes in excess of "250,000 and below the "700,000 mark.
"This is good to see as this sector has struggled over the last six months. The ripples of success in the market have been felt across the Wharfe Valley with estate agents from Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley, Horsforth and Yeadon reporting similar findings.
"The situation is definitely starting to show movement but sellers do have to be realistic. Some of them are keen to step up the price but it is unrealistic to expect what houses would have fetched two to three years ago.
"We recently had an offer on a house which was "20,000-"30,000 below the asking price which I felt was a very strong offer. But because the seller had paid more for it a couple of years ago he was unable to accept.
"That said, there are a lot of first-time buyers stepping up which is helping to get things moving and that is showing right across the area, particularly in the Horsforth and Guiseley areas.
"The situation is looking a lot more positive and despite what the experts say about us not yet reaching rock bottom, I suspect that the worst might be behind us."
"This announcement is just the latest in a raft of good news stories published recently, which confirm that the longed-for green shoots have not only appeared but are beginning to flower.
"The combination of competitive property prices, historically low interest rates and slowly improving credit conditions have all had a very positive effect on the market, as shown by the increase in our net sales figures."
Qualified agents to the fore as property spotlight switches to renting
With an increasing number of legal pitfalls facing the country's growing number of "accidental landlords", there has never been a better time to draw upon the expertise of a letting agency to rent out your home.
The stagnant housing market, coupled with more people being forced to relocate or downsize, has seen the spotlight firmly switch to the benefits of renting over buying.
However, according to the Ilkley office of Linley & Simpson on Brook Street, renting out a home is not an easy option for the inexperienced - new legislation makes the letting process a complex maze, and considerable expertise is needed to find suitable tenants.
"Increasing legal requirements - such as mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new lets, as well as changes to the ways tenants' deposits can be safeguarded - make renting a complex process for many," said Linley & Simpson director, Nick Simpson.
"For those wanting to maximise the 'rentability' of their property by using a letting agent, it's important to ensure they choose an agent who is properly qualified and with as many prospective tenants on its books as possible.
"Linley & Simpson has a record high of 2,000 waiting to rent a property - a signal of the strength of the market.
"Membership of bodies such as ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) gives landlords ultimate peace of mind - plus an all-important competitive marketing edge."
ARLA is seen as a benchmark for professionalism in which both landlords and tenants can have confidence. It provides a unique marketing advantage in an industry where standards vary significantly, and where clients should choose which agent to use with great care.
Linley & Simpson, Yorkshire's largest dedicated residential letting specialist with an eight-strong network covering Ilkley, Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate, York and Wakefield, ensures all its offices have ARLA-qualified staff.
"Membership is only achieved by agents who demonstrate that they have thorough knowledge of the local market, and who conduct their business according to best practice," said Mr Simpson.
"In the current marketplace, landlords want reassurance and peace of mind when renting out their property. Failing to comply with the myriad of current legislation can be a very expensive mistake."
Demand for properties-to-let across Ilkley and district remains high - with those properties in a good state of repair, with a realistic level of rent, being particularly quick to be snapped up.
For further information, email ilkley@linleyandsimpson.co.uk, or call 01943 816 888.
Wharfedale homes rank high in house price survey
Three local streets make it into a new survey of the most expensive addresses in the Yorkshire and Humber region - once again underlining the value to be had by renting.
The Telegraph & Argus reported that Nesfield Road, off Denton Road, Ilkley was ranked fifth in the survey while Hebers Ghyll Drive, also in Ilkley, ranked ninth. In tenth place was Cliffe Drive in Rawdon.
The average value of a house in Nesfield Road is £1.02million while properties in Hebers Ghyll Drive have an average price of £936,800.
The last house to go on the market in Nesfield Road, a five-bedroom detached home with five en-suites, was priced at £1.5million.
Resident Betty Flather, who has lived in the street for more than 50 years, said she was amazed at the results of the survey.
She said: "I can't really believe it. There are two houses which have recently been renovated and altered along here which may fetch around a million, but I don't think this is the most expensive street in Ilkley.
"It is a lovely street to live in though. It is known as the sunny side of Ilkley. It is quiet and we don't get much traffic."
The last house sold in Hebers Ghyll Drive sold last October went for £2.6million.
New Iklkey Office Gives Linley & Simpson Unrivalled Coverage Across Wharfe Valley
As demand soars for properties to rent, residential letting specialists Linley & Simpson has broadened its unrivalled coverage across the Wharfe Valley by launching a flagship branch in Ilkley.
Yorkshire's biggest dedicated letting agency - which has achieved more than 14,000 lets since forming 11 years ago - has opened the eighth office in its home county after acquiring the business of a leading letting agent in Ilkley.
The new-look Linley & Simpson branch on Brook Street in the heart of Ilkley town centre is marking its launch with a special opening offer for landlords - a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with every new instruction to ensure they meet new legislation. It is now mandatory for all new lets.
Its opening also coincides with the launch of Linley & Simpson's new 'Select' service, which offers owners of premium properties a number of marketing extras.
The enhanced package includes 360 degree tours; floor plans; professional photography and improved website presence, and is expected to prove popular among owners of homes to rent in the Wharfe Valley.
The Ilkley office links closely into Linley & Simpson's long-established office at Station Road, Horsforth, to offer an unbeatable presence Throughout the Wharfe Valley.
Both branches also work in close partnership with the other six offices in Linley & Simpson's Yorkshire network - Harrogate, Wetherby, York, Wakefield and two more in Leeds (the city centre and Oakwood).
Linley & Simpson's expanding network of specialist letting agencies brings many benefits. It offers landlords the opportunity of being able to access a greater pool of prospective tenants. Tenants also have the advantage of being able to choose from a wider selection of properties to meet their needs.
A new senior management team will be responsible for ensuring the highest level of customer service at the new Ilkley branch.
Few people know Ilkley as well as Linley & Simpson director, Nick Simpson, who was born at St Winifred's Maternity Hospital on Ilkley Moor; educated at Ilkley Grammar School; and continues to live in the area.
"Opening a branch in my home town is a special moment for me personally, but it is also a major step forward for the company," he said. "It gives us coverage across the whole of the Wharfe Valley - one of Yorkshire's most sought-after areas in which to live - at a time when rental demand continues to increase.
"We are delighted to bring to Ilkley our first-rate knowledge and experience of the letting market, as well as our track record for customer satisfaction."
He added that the company was always striving to improve its service to its clients and the launch of 'Select' was a natural progression.
"The launch of Select comes as more and more premium properties are coming onto the letting market," he said. "Select gives these landlords the option of ensuring their property has a stand-out presence in the marketplace.
"Initiatives such as virtual video tours and floor plans enable people to view the properties in more detail online - something that is important for those people relocating to the Wharfe Valley and wider Yorkshire area from other parts of the UK and overseas.
The Select service is designed for homes with a monthly rent of £1500 and above, or those of outstanding quality or design.
Linley & Simpson can be found at 30 Brook Street, Ilkley LS29 8DE, telephone 01943 816888.


