A new facility to combat loneliness in Addingham has been refused, in part due to “the potential for buried Anglo-Saxon archaeology.”
In September a planning application to build a new workshop on the grounds of St Peter’s in Addingham was submitted to Bradford Council.
The workshop would replace some existing storage buildings on the site, and would encourage people to get together to carry out tasks like building bird boxes and repairing cherished items.
Dubbed The Shed Project, it would be aimed at people who are retired, unemployed or who live alone.
The application was submitted by the Parochial Church Council, and supported by Addingham Parish Council.
But now the application has been refused for three reasons – ranging from Anglo Saxon archaeology to the site falling within a “Bat Alert Zone.”
The West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service raised concerns about the plans – pointing out that Addingham was one of the oldest settlements in West Yorkshire, and the site of St Peter’s Church could contain significant evidence of the village’s history.
A statement from the organisation said:
“The potential for locating Anglo-Saxon settlement is perhaps greater on the knoll now occupied by church and rectory.
“This site, just above south bank of Wharfe would be a more likely place for a settlement than the lower ground prone to flooding. This location would have been sought after in earlier periods.
“The archaeological potential for buried archaeology is therefore high.
"It suggested more needed to be done to document whether there was significant archaeological remains on the site before any new structure was built."
Conservation officers raised concerns about the proximity of the new building to the Grade I listed church.
And another objection was raised ecological officers on the Council – who said the scheme could harm local bats.
Refusing the application, planning officers said:
“The proposal includes the removal of the walls and roof of an existing structure that is within Bradford Bat Alert Zone.
“The application is not accompanied by a site specific, up to date Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment report undertaken by a qualified ecologist.”
Referring to the potential archaeology of the site officers said:
“The application site lies wholly within the ancient scheduled monument comprising an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and medieval manorial centre including fishponds and part of an open field system adjacent to St Peter’s Church which has the potential to contain archaeological remains of significance.
“The application is not accompanied by an appropriate investigatory evaluation of the impact the proposed structure would have on archaeological significance.”
Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge
