Garnett's Mill riverside revamp vision unveiled for Otley (From Wharfedale Observer)

Garnett's Mill riverside revamp vision unveiled for Otley

8:00am Saturday 19th September 2009 in News

AN old Otley paper mill site could be transformed into a revitalised riverside area with houses, offices and a public ‘ampitheatre’.

That is the vision for Garnett’s Mill that David Wilson Homes (DWH) has revealed at a public exhibition, showing its proposals for the 15-acre plot, at the Civic Centre.

The 200-home development would include converting existing mill buildings into a riverside restaurant and bar, a new 38-flat retirement complex, and 1,000 sq ft of offices.

DWH are also proposing to incorporate “green” power using river turbines – something that would chime with Sustainable and Renewable Energy in Wharfedale’s (Sure) hopes of seeing an alternative technology centre on the site.

The scheme would also include: l An ampitheatre-shaped public space (the Mill Yard) on the waterfront lAround 140 family homes, ranging from two to five-bedroom houses and varying from two to three storeys lAbout 50 flats lA riverside walk and cycle paths lA 25 per cent ratio of affordable homes.

Local politicians have given a mixed reaction. Many praised the scheme for its proposed public spaces, riverside footpath and other links to the rest of town, along with its potential to attract more visitors.

But concerns have also been raised about the amount of traffic that would be generated, the size and design of the new buildings, the omission of a hotel (mentioned in earlier plans) and the impact on school places.

The exhibition gave people a first chance to see exactly what is being planned for Garnett’s and to have their say by filling in feedback forms before the detailed plan is submitted in early October.

Otley Town Partnership chairman Peter Heald said: “It looks quite interesting. I’m pleased that it’s a bespoke development and that they have tailored it to the area, but we’ll have to look at it in more detail, particularly at the quality of the materials.

“One sad thing is it appears that the chimney will have to go, which is a shame because it’s historically interesting. They’re saying it’s unsafe.

“Generally, I’m quite impressed and I was pleased to see there is planned-in public access because that’s part of our riverside vision. The public kind of ampitheatre area also looks well thought-out.

“The devil will be in the detail as always, but the first impressions are positive.”

Otley’s MP, Liberal Democrat Greg Mulholland, said: “This is such an important site and it is vital that it is redeveloped in a way that makes the most of the opportunity for Otley.

“I am pleased local people are able to see these initial plans and it is very important that they also are consulted about what should actually be part of the development.

“A mixed development makes sense though many people will be disappointed not to see a hotel as part of the plans, with the need to attract more tourists to Otley.

“The impact of a lot of new housing including in terms of traffic and also school places must also be assessed to see if it is realistic.”

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: “The fine details on the plan have yet to be finalised, but on the whole I think it will make a positive contribution.

“The important thing is that once started it should be carried on to the end and not abandoned part way.”

He added that he did have concerns about the impact on Otley’s already full primary schools, which he has raised with Education Leeds.

Other residents at the exhibition were keen to say what they thought was wrong with the proposals.

One man said: “The office block, especially, doesn’t look like an attractive building. To me it compares with Wharfedale Hospital which is an eyesore.

“Modern-style buildings with lots of glass work in the right place, but this doesn’t fit in with a riverside site.”

More details on the expected traffic that would be generated by were also on show. Existing outline planning consent allows for up to 400 two-way vehicle movements during the morning and evening peak hours.

But DWH says its scheme, which would see a new access road off Pool Road created with access to the commercial buildings from Mill Lane, would halve that figure – and could incorporate a bus route.

Senior land manager for DWH, Rebecca Wasse, said: “We were pleased with the public consultation and delighted so many people attended to discover more about our exciting redevelopment proposals that will enhance Otley and its riverside location.

“We welcome feedback and all comments will be considered before the application is submitted.”

Artists’ impressions: Page 4