A contemporary eco-home designed to resemble stone boulders has been granted planning permission to be built on Ilkley Moor, despite significant opposition. The property, named Fomorian, will be constructed on Heber's Ghyll Drive in Ilkley, near Bradford, after an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate overturned a previous rejection.
Design and Features of the Boulder-House
The dwelling is designed to mimic large, irregular natural rock formations and will feature irregularly-shaped windows, a courtyard and a natural outdoor pool. Architects Shaw and Jagger said the property, which will be built on green belt land, takes "cues from the surrounding rocks and escarpments synonymous with the landscape."
They added: "The building depicts a series of monolithic elements embedded in the earth as the wild, dramatic environment looms around, attempting to overcome them." The property has been christened Fomorian, referring to a mythical race of giants in Irish folklore, and takes its inspiration from a creature called Rombald who is believed to have inhabited the moor.
Planning History and Opposition
The original application, submitted by businessman David Rasche, was turned down by Bradford Council planners on grounds of 'non-determination', meaning a verdict wasn't reached within the stipulated timeframe. Ilkley Town Council recommended rejecting the plans, arguing the home would be a "visual anomaly to the moorland."
Councillors contended that the land formed part of several protected areas of interest, including the South Pennine Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest and the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. Ilkley Moor also forms part of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve, which is backed by Natural England.
Location and Approval
The council further highlighted that the proposed development sat in close proximity to the Swastika Stone, a prehistoric rock carving and one of hundreds of Scheduled Ancient Monuments found on Ilkley Moor. Neighbouring Ilkley Quarry is home to the renowned rock formation "Cow and Calf" which takes its name from its resemblance to the animals.
Despite the opposition, the developers secured approval from the Planning Inspectorate in August via the country house clause. The clause demands an isolated design of "exceptional quality" in that it "is truly outstanding", would "significantly enhance its immediate setting and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area."
