Housing plans for the soon-to-close Ilkley College campus have been revealed.

Harrogate-based Crest Homes (Northern) Ltd outlined its initial ideas to representatives of civic bodies at a meeting this week.

The number of houses it wants to build has not been finalised - the firm is awaiting public reaction before completing proposals.

The plans are on display in Ilkley Library from Monday for a week. And Crest is sending a questionnaire to 800 local people to canvass their views on the future of the land.

Early proposals for the site are to clean and restore Hillside and Wells House and convert both buildings into flats. The northern part of the site will have crescents of townhouses and semi-detached homes. On the western side, detached executive-style homes are planned, with open space and trees.

Proposals so far include: using materials and designs for new homes which reflect the town's Victorian heritage; removing modern accommodation blocks; building homes to suit a variety of families and budgets.

Tony Vincent, managing director of Crest Homes, said: "We believe this development will be good for the town. It will mean restoring one of Ilkley's great heritage features, attracting families to local schools and generating income from the town's traders, which experts believe will be far more than losses occurring from the college closure."

Ilkley Civic Society chairman Bob Tilley, who was at the meeting, said he was impressed by the company's research.

"They are trying to communicate their thoughts with the local community and organisations," he said. "But the proof of the pudding is in the eating."

Ilkley Parish Council chairman Alec Henderson said: "I am quite happy with it. We have just got to wait and see." But he was concerned about increased heavy traffic on narrow roads during construction.

Council clerk Miggy Bailey was also impressed: "I think Crest Homes are quite keen to be part of the community and want to do the job right."

The last lessons will take place at Wells House in June this year, when the campus will close. From September, adult education classes will continue at the new venue of Bolton Bridge Road, Ilkley.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.