Ilkley Civic Society [ICS] says it is concerned that users of Ilkley library may not be aware of some significant changes proposed to the interior of Ilkley Library by Bradford Council in the coming months.
Whilst ICS say it is good news that the interior is to be updated, it is concerned that the public have not be able to see the full picture of what is proposed and are calling for a public consultation.
A spokesperson for the Civic Society said they were briefed verbally about some of the changes earlier in 2024:
“It was not until October 2024 that we were provided with a drawing of the new furniture layout, but this was to be confidential. We realised that other changes were proposed to this Listed Building that should require a formal planning application. Only after pressure from ICS was this application submitted for public scrutiny on 15th October (ref 24/03962/LBC on CBMC Public Access) but this did not include the full picture. ICS comments on this application will be posted on our website.
“We have since been advised that the public and elected representatives will be ‘notified’ of the changes and closure information once a start date known (i.e. contract is let). This is something of a fait accompli we suggest?
ICS say change include some more up to date furniture, movable shelving to the left side of the main area to enable a large open space to be created for events/meetings, more laptop stations, new toilets and a kitchen, which it says is 'all positive if done sensitively to the historic building.'
The spokesperson added:
“Issues that concern us are the lack of detail of the building works proposed, the loss of a substantial length of book shelves and no information on the loss of the Reference section or how a Warm Space is to be included.
“We are concerned that this lack of information and the haste in putting together the Listed Building Consent application means other works may have been missed. Only a public consultation will reveal this information but we have no dates for this.
“Our concerns have previously been communicated to Bradford Council but with only limited information in response.”
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