A PLANNING application for the demolition of Hollycroft Care Home and the construction of new build care home at 16 Hebers Ghyll Drive in Ilkley has been refused.

Giving reasons for the refusal Bradford Council Planning Officer Stewart Currie says: "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 adds: "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."