A block of apartments, especially for people aged over 60, has been approved – despite it being branded “monolithic.”

The development of 56 homes – six of which would be classed as ‘affordable’ – on the former Ilkley Middle School site in Valley Drive, Ilkley, was given the go ahead by Keighley planners yesterday.

Councillors gave it the go-ahead despite having heard Ilkley Parish Councillor Andrew Mckie, chairman of the parish’s planning committee, describe it as “massive over-development.”

“The structure viewed from the east is most offensive – it’s a four-storey monolithic block,” he said.

“We believe the site should be kept for educational use. Residents in the area want a school rather than this development. They are prepared to have the noise of children rather than this.”

Other written objections highlighted concern about the loss of green space where children could play and that more houses would overstretch services in the town.

The committee also had some reservations about the 20 parking spaces being adequate.

And there was debate about who should be eligible and a condition was imposed that the lower age limit for residents must be 60.

Chairman, Councillor Chris Greaves said: “People who are accepted must have a care package – this is not a normal housing development and is for people who need some level of care.”

The plan has been proposed by Methodist charity and housing association MHA.

Steve Rigby, the organisation’s senior development manager, said the development was an alternative to the usual residential care.

Care would be 24 hours a day and each care package would be tailor-made to individuals.

“There is a great need for this type of accommodation in which people live independently but have access to care,” he said.

“It’s a very important development for older people. There are few opportunities like this.”

Voting in favour, Councillor Peter Hill said: “This is a useful building supplying a need.”

Councillors were told tree preservation orders covered both the north and south boundaries and the site had been designated for housing.