Demolition work has transformed an historic industrial riverside site in Otley.

Nearly all of the former Garnett paper mill’s buildings have been knocked down, pictured,s as preparation work finally begins for a 194-home redevelopment.

Workmen for David Wilson Homes began clearing the area off Mill Lane, whose links to paper production stretch back nearly 300 years, on Monday.

The move marks the disappearance of part of the town's industrial heritage but also signals some long-anticipated progress on a new housing scheme that was approved back in 2011.

A spokesman for David Wilson Homes said: “We are in the process of demolishing all of the buildings on site with the exception of the two which are to be retained as part of the current planning permission.

“These two are the Mill Owner's Cottage and part of the Main Mill building - both front onto the river.

“It has taken us some time to agree the acquisition details with the landowners. In addition, this is a technically complex site and it has taken some time to work up the technical plans. We are hoping to start work on houses before the end of the year.”

Some 194 ‘units’ will be built – the planning approval is for a mixed-use site that will include houses, flats, retirement apartments and an office block – with the first due to be ready by the spring or early summer of 2015.

Otley Town Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “Although this marks the end of an important piece of Otley's industrial heritage it must be seen as positive that an enormous area of land, previously land-locked, will now be developed.

“This has been in the pipeline for so long that I think people will be relieved that work is finally underway.

“It is a big scheme and I know that some people are concerned by its scale, however it is in everyone's interest that the development integrates well with the town - the residents who live here will need local services, and so it will hopefully boost the local economy."

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I am pleased that development has at last started on this derelict, eyesore riverside site.

“It shows that the housing market, at least in Otley is buoyant and hopefully bodes well for other rundown brownfield sites in the area.

“On a personal note, for all my life these large buildings have been a feature of the riverside - the new open site still takes some getting used to.”

Town Councillor Carl Morris (Lab, Manor), meanwhile, believes the affordable portion of the new homes will be particularly welcomed.

He said: “So many young people - people who have been born and raised in Otley - are being priced out of the housing market.

“We need sustainable house building that protects the nature of our community, while still providing a place for the next generation to live.

“I think the development on the Garnett site is a welcome step in that direction. However, I do think the town council must play a leading role in the future to ensure that new housing includes a greater proportion of affordable, family housing.”

The demolished Garnett had been empty for several years following the company's movement of paper production to India in 2006 and the winding down of its Otley operation.