Rock-inspired house near Ilkley Moor approved after planning appeal
![An artist's impression of Fomorian [Image: Shaw & Jagger Architects]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/550168_bf846608b1c1471b9828c66b5812ecfb~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_980,h_549,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/550168_bf846608b1c1471b9828c66b5812ecfb~mv2.webp)
Plans for an unusual house designed to resemble giant boulders on the edge of Ilkley Moor have been approved following a planning appeal.
Designed by Harrogate-based Shaw & Jagger Architects, the house, named Fomorian, will be built within the grounds of Brackenwood, off Hebers Ghyll Drive in Ilkley. Located on green belt land, the property will feature large, irregularly shaped windows, a courtyard and a natural outdoor swimming pool.
![An artist's impression of Fomorian [Image: Shaw & Jagger Architects]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/550168_6c3a940d46af45da880aabc0def4ef61~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_750,h_693,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/550168_6c3a940d46af45da880aabc0def4ef61~mv2.webp)
The architects say the design takes inspiration from the surrounding rocks and escarpments, with a series of monolithic forms embedded in the earth. The building is intended to reflect the area's rugged landscape, with its dramatic natural features appearing to loom over the structure.
The house will be built to Passivhaus standards, an ultra-low-energy building standard designed to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
![An artist's impression of Fomorian [Image: Shaw & Jagger Architects]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/550168_46eb0ddcda964d1988008226450e69d6~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_750,h_962,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/550168_46eb0ddcda964d1988008226450e69d6~mv2.webp)
Ric Blenkharn, an 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.”
The planning application was initially submitted to Bradford Council. However, the council failed to reach a decision within the required timeframe, resulting in an appeal on the grounds of non-determination.
The applicant subsequently appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. The plans were approved on 10 August 2026 under the green belt policy provision for buildings of “exceptional quality”, sometimes referred to as the country house clause.
Jerene Irwin, Architect, Independent Peer Reviewer & Chair of RIBA East commented: “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.”
