Plans for an unusual house designed to resemble giant boulders on the edge of Ilkley Moor have been approved following a planning appeal.
The contemporary property, named Fomorian, will be built within the grounds of Brackenwood, off Hebers Ghyll Drive, after planning permission was granted in August 2026.
Designed by Harrogate-based Shaw & Jagger Architects, the house takes inspiration from the surrounding moorland, including the rock formations and escarpments associated with Ilkley's famous Cow and Calf Rocks.
They have shared the proposed look:
The building will feature a series of large, irregular stone-like structures appearing to emerge from the landscape, alongside unusually shaped windows and a natural outdoor swimming pool.
The property has also been designed to meet Passivhaus standards, an approach to construction focused on exceptionally low energy consumption.
Planning permission was granted by the Planning Inspectorate on 10th August 2026 following an appeal against non-determination of the original application submitted to Bradford Council.
The development is located on green belt land and was considered under the planning policy exception allowing certain new homes in the countryside where they demonstrate exceptional design quality.
The architects say the design is based on the concept of Genius Loci, a Latin term meaning 'spirit of place', with the building intended to reflect the geology, folklore and character of Ilkley Moor.
The name Fomorian comes from a race of supernatural giants in Irish mythology, with the design also drawing inspiration from local legends surrounding the giant Rombald.
The proposals have received praise from architectural experts.
Ric Blenkharn, architect, Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and panel member for Design Yorkshire, said:
“This could be one of the most exciting buildings in the north of England.”
Jerene Irwin, an independent peer reviewer and Chair of RIBA East, said:
“It is clear this could be a benchmark project for the area and the design quality and management of the site ecology would outweigh any perceived harm to the green belt.”
The project is intended to demonstrate how contemporary architecture can respond to a sensitive landscape while incorporating high standards of energy efficiency.
The approval clears the way for the development to proceed, subject to the conditions attached to the planning decision.
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