Developers hopes demolished

Persimmon Homes (West Yorkshire) Ltd aimed to transform this historic part of Burley-in-Wharfedale by creating 142 new homes.

The company, along with site owners Airedale NHS Trust, has seen its bid thwarted by John Prescott, Environment Secretary.

Mr Prescott has accepted the view of DoE inspector John Gray, who headed February's public inquiry into the scheme.

Mr Gray listened to the appeal against Bradford Council's non-determination of the application for housing on the six-hectare site.

In his report to Mr Prescott, the inspector said: "It would be rash, in my opinion to allow the appeal and grant outline planning permission when there is the distinct possibility that detailed proposals would fail to satisfy the visual constraints imposed by the nature and Green Belt location of this site."

Mr Gray said it was necessary to maintain something of the appearance of institutional development looking out over its own extensive grounds and to avoid the appearance of suburban development encroaching into the countryside.

To create an 'appropriate' appearance by new development was likely to mean avoiding a layout of detached and semi-detached housing in the area of the principal buildings, said Mr Gray. He felt there was no evidence that any such conclusion had been considered.

The news has been welcomed by village MP Chris Leslie. He said: "Although this decision doesn't stave off development for ever, it is certainly a victory for Burley-in-Wharfedale residents.

"I am delighted the inspector has noted the importance of the Green Belt.

"It is vital to retain the character of this site and the village itself. It certainly strengthens the hand of those villagers preparing a design statement for Burley's future."

Also delighted is Burley Community Council member John Gundry. It was Mr Gundry who put forward the community council's objections at the public inquiry.

He said: "Obviously we are very pleased the inspector has come to this decision. We hope if Persimmon come forward with another plan it will be one which recognises the sensitive nature of the site."

Mr Gundry and his colleagues favour a re-use of the buildings, creating local employment and hence, reducing traffic.

Bradford Council also welcomed Mr Gray's recommendations. Ilkley planning officer, Martyn Burke, said: "The inspector has made some interesting observations. I think an imaginative solution is required for this site."

Mr Burke had told the public inquiry the scheme did not safeguard the openness of the green belt and would represent a sprawl of suburban development encroaching into open countryside, beyond the limits of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The Airedale NHS Trust is anxious to sell the site as it is forced to pay around £1 million a year in capital expenses for the largely redundant site.

The chief executive of the Trust, Bob Allen, said: "We are extremely disappointed and dismayed by this decision. We are required to obtain the highest price for the site, and we have been advised the best way is to sell it for housing."

Mr Allen said the Trust had to get the best deal it could for the taxpayer. "Anything less would be scandalous," he said.

"This stalemate is very frustrating. The planners have their rules, I know, but we are trying to run a health service. We will just have to go back to the drawing board," he said.

No-one at Persimmon Homes (West Yorkshire) Ltd was available for comment.

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