THE future of development in Ilkley will come under the spotlight at an open meeting of the town's Civic Society.

The meeting, called 'The Ilkley Design Statement and the UDP' will be introduced by Bruce Speed, who was the co-ordinator of the Village Design Statement for Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Civic society chairman Bob Tilley said that the meeting was timely because the Unitary Development Plan for the area was being drawn up and the town's Conservation Area was under review by Bradford Council.

Recently work on an Ilkley Town Design Statement has begun with a team led by the parish council and the civic society.

Mr Tilley said: "Ilkley and Wharfedale are attractive areas in which to live, work and play, and clearly development pressures will continue if not accelerate.

"Recent changes in the planning process give communities more say but only if they work together to develop policies and proposals that have widespread acceptance."

The meeting, which will take place at Church House, Church Street, at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 23, will discuss opportunities for the community to work together for long-term benefits to the area.

Mr Tilley added: "More volunteers are needed for the Ilkley Design Statement team and this is an opportunity to discover what skills are needed and how members of the public can play an important part."

l A PLAN to install two internally illuminated poster panels at Ilkley station has been recommended for approval by the parish council's planning committee.

The final decision rests with Bradford planners.

l THE annual meeting of Ilkley Parish Council takes place on Tuesday March 28 at 7.30pm.

This year the meeting is being held in the annexe of the Queen's Hall, Burley-in-Wharfedale.Coun Kate Brown, will present her annual report and the public can ask questions and raise issues.

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