Call for Otley bridge cafe to be granted listed status (From Wharfedale Observer)

Call for Otley bridge cafe to be granted listed status

8:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in News

A well-loved Otley cafe could gain listed building status if a local councillor gets his way.

Dunnies, in Bridge Street, has been serving residents, cyclists and bikers since 1925.

But last month owner Paul Davies said he would be looking to sell the business so the property could be demolished if a proposed care home scheme proceeded.

The news was greeted with sadness by many people in the town, concerned at the possible loss of “an Otley institution”.

Now Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) has written to Leeds City Council’s planning department to see if the Dunnies building is eligible for extra protection.

In his letter, Coun Downes wrote: “I was wondering, given the threat of redevelopment of the above, whether it would be possible to have the building listed?

“I think, given its historical importance and its vernacular architecture, it makes a significant contribution to this area of Otley and so should be preserved.”

Coun Downes is waiting to hear back from the authority.

Otley town councillors heard more last week about the 55-flat care home for the elderly which is being proposed for the former All Saints Middle School site.

Representatives from developers Gladman gave a presentation about their plans for the derelict plot, off Bridge Street and Mill Lane, which has been considered an eyesore for several years.