Proposals to modernise Ilkley's out-of-date conservation area have been put on hold by heritage bosses.

They are too busy dealing with Saltaire's bid to become a World Heritage Site, says heritage boss Stephen Bateman in a letter to Parish and District Councillor Anne Hawkesworth.

Ilkley's town centre Conservation Area was drawn up around 30 years ago, giving extra ammunition to people fighting unwanted development.

But the heritage watchdog, Ilkley Civic Society, has been pressing for the area to be extended to better preserve the character of the town.

Civic Society member Denise Shillitoe said the group wrote to Bradford Council's heritage department around 18 months ago with their proposals which included, among other things, a suggestion to split the conservation area into five separate parts.

Although preliminary work such as an archaeological investigation has taken place, short-staffed heritage officers have not produced their own proposals.

When they are completed they will be presented to councillors before going out for public consultation, Mr Bateman said.

He added that any changes to the boundaries of the Conservation Area would have to be justified on the basis of the historical and environmental importance of the sites included, such as the area around the Roman Fort.

But Coun Hawkesworth said she was unhappy about the delay because she believed that the development threat to Ilkley was more pressing than in the village of Saltaire.

"I accept Saltaire is a wonderful area but I don't think it is going to disappear. Certain areas of Ilkley, if they are not designated as Conservation Areas, will disappear," said Coun Hawkesworth.

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