THE demolition of an historic industrial building has been branded “the death of another Otley landmark”.

The fate of the Leeds Road tannery and its iconic tall chimney has been sealed since planners decided, in 2011, that it should make way for housing.

The property, whose rich 125-year history saw it begin life as Albion Works and manufacture the famous Wharfedale printing machines, was finally knocked down this week.

Town councillor and former mayor, Nigel Francis, who lives nearby, believes the town’s character will be forever changed as a result - and not for the better.

He said: “This mill stood there majestically like a beacon welcoming you to Otley, it was the first important building when coming down Leeds Road.

“For more than 125 years its stonework, brick work, but most of all its chimney, was there for all to see.

“It was a reminder of days gone by, when Otley was a centre of the printing machinery industry. Heavy industry, where hard work and long hours produced machines that put Otley on the map - machines that helped change the face of the printing industry forever.”

A Leeds plans panel approved a revised, ten-home scheme for the site three years ago despite the tannery building standing within Otley Conservation Area and bearing a heritage plaque.

Planning permission was granted despite a number of objections being raised, including one from Otley Conservation Task Force member Penny Mares.

She expressed sadness at the time that a property that had played a key role in two of the town’s important industries was to be sacrificed - and also questioned the decision to sacrifice an industrial unit for housing.

Some residents, however, had spoken in favour of redevelopment to get rid of “an eyesore”.

Cllr Francis acknowledges that the building itself would not win any awards, but insists that is not the point.

He said:“As the walls are pulled down and the bricks removed, and the chimney disappears never to return, is ‘progress’ really something we should all embrace as Otley moves nearer to being a commuter town, and our heritage disappears?”

“ The Albion Works was not a gem of Victorian architectural design, some would even say it was downright ugly, but nevertheless it had an interesting and varied past.

"Recently, the front of the mill housed a furniture centre and even a frozen food shop, while the back was used for more than 30 years as a garage and vehicle restoration centre."

“Going back in time, some say the Otley electric tram/train was built here, then leather was worked on the site and other businesses carried on, but it will always be remembered as part of Otley’s proud industrial past.