Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club has unveiled a development plan in response to a demand for tennis, squash and fitness facilities in the community.

After three years of planning, the club intends to submit a planning application to enable a phased development to go ahead.

However, the development has not been welcomed by all.

One group of residents have got together to express concerns about aspects of the plans. They are worried about the impact on the environment and the effects of increased traffic.

The plan involves the rebuilding of the gym and fitness suite, with the addition of aerobics studios, indoor tennis court, car parking and better segregation of the Dales Way footpath.

In the longer term the club, in Stourton Road, hopes to provide three further outdoor, all weather courts. The squash and entrance areas will also be extensively refurbished to provide better viewing and security.

Resident Simon Turner, speaking on behalf of a group of residents who object to the plans, said chief among their concerns was the decision to put a car park on a horse’s field.

Around 50 residents were invited to a meeting at the club and club chairman Richard Bourdon said the club had taken concerns on board and amended the plans.

Mr Bourdon said: “The dramatic growth in recent years of both our junior programme – where over 500 local children enjoy developing their tennis and squash skill – and also the continued growth in demand for Ilkley to have its own top class fitness facility, have meant that the club needs to upgrade its facilities.”

He said the club would continue to consult with residents, the council and its own members to ensure that the minimum possible disruption is caused.