Ilkley Town Council has said this week it welcomes the decision by Bradford Council to add Wheatley Fields Recreation Ground in Ben Rhydding to the list of Assets of Community Value.
The recreation ground off Wheatley Lane and Valley Drive, which are frequently used by local groups and contains a community orchard, will be listed for five years with effect from 30 April 2026.
Assets of Community Value provide a legal mechanism for communities to protect and potentially acquire important local assets, ensuring that buildings or land with social, cultural, recreational, sporting, or economic value remain accessible to the community. The regime now includes enhanced protections, broader eligibility, and pre-emptive purchase rights, significantly increasing the influence of local communities over the future of these assets.
Councillor Linda Brown, Ilkley Town Councillor for Ben Rhydding Ward said:
“I’m delighted that Bradford Council has agreed to Ilkley Town Council’s proposal to designate Wheatley Fields as an Asset Of Community Value. It means that the current users of the fields, such as sports groups, leisure walkers or visitors to the community orchard know that there are additional safeguards from development for at least five years.”
“It is important that we maintain our well-used leisure facilities and protect them against potential developments that are not supported by the local community.”
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