A DEVELOPMENT company has launched a new appeal to be allowed to build a block of eight flats in Middleton, Ilkley.

Micklegate Special Developments Limited has also submitted a fresh application to planners in a 'twin track' approach to getting its own way.

At a previous appeal in March this year against the refusal of planning permission, the company's project was turned down by a Government planning inspector on the grounds that proposed drainage facilities were inadequate for the scheme.

This prompted the company to submit a new application in May. This was also refused by Bradford planners and will be the subject of the new appeal, the Gazette has learned, on a date to be arranged.

The latest planning application is accompanied by a flood risk assessment carried out by Skipton-based JBA Consulting Engineers and Scientists.

Their report says: "The measures proposed will ensure that the flood risk to adjacent properties is decreased as a result of the development."

But this has not convinced the many objectors, including Gerald Woolin who lives next door to the proposed development on land at Willow Springs, Gilstead Way.

He told the Gazette that the drainage from the site flowed through a channel which narrowed in his garden.

He believes that if the development goes ahead, increased water will flow from the site - which used to be a lake - flooding his own garden and that of his neighbours.

Mr Woolin said: "All they are doing is passing the water down the stream at a fast rate. The gardens will be far wetter than they have been."

Mr Woolin is also hoping that the new appeal will allow other objections to be opened up again regarding the size and scale of the development.

He said that the previous planning inspector came to her conclusions using figures which were not accurate and erroneously showed the proposed apartment block smaller than it actually would be when constructed.

"It is at least one-and-a-half times bigger than any other property and it is something like 50 per cent bigger than the swimming pool."

Mr Woolin said that residents did not object to the developments as such, just the size of it. The row has been a long, drawn out saga which Mr Woolin previously referred to as a 'war of attrition'.

He said: "As residents we are not opposed to development at this site. We would welcome the matter being resolved, but it needs to be resolved for the good of the residents and for the good of Ilkley as a whole."

The Gazette tried to contact Micklegate Developments but at the time of going to press, had not received a reply.