A PLAN for an extension to the Forte Post House Hotel at Bramhope has been described as 'ugly' and 'designed with no imagination at all'.

The criticism came from Coun Richard Harker at a meeting of Bramhope Parish Council when he also said he feared the extension would be 'made out of Lego bricks'.

Under discussion was a plan for the Forte Post House at Bramhope, submitted to Leeds City Council by the owners.

It involves taking down the current building around the hotel's swimming pool and replacing it with a new

building which would be slightly higher.

And although the parish council is not objecting to the plan, it was evident from Coun Harker''s comments that he was worried about the visual impact the proposed development would have and additional noise it would

generate.

Coun Harker said: "If you are on this side of the village, the Post House can actually be quite a blot. We have problems with noise from the Post House in summer from parties and things. There have been occasions when we have had to ring up to complain.

"The architecture of the Post House is pretty awful. Is this going to be another thing made out of Lego bricks?

"I think it looks awful, frankly, in keeping with the rest of the building, but more of it. They have no imagination at all, have they? It is NVQ level architecture. It is ugly and out-of-keeping."

Other members of the parish council were not so moved that they wanted to object to the application.

"But frankly, the whole place is ugly," replied Coun Clive Fox, Vice-Chairman of the council, who chaired the discussion.

But Coun Harker continued: "For those who have to look at it day after day, it is as bad as a radio mast. I don't like it architecturally, I think it is an eyesore."

When contacted for a comment, a spokeswoman for the Post House said: "It is not the kind of thing we respond to."

l Do you agree with the councillor? Write to Readers Letters, Wharfedale & Airedale Observer, 9 Orchard Gate, Otley, LS21 3NX

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