AN OWNERSHIP dispute could halt plans to redevelop Otley Civic Centre.

At least that's the hope of campaigners fighting to get the Grade II Listed building reopened as a town hall.

Owners Leeds City Council recently confirmed they are entering talks with the people behind three potential schemes.

Those include a proposal from a residential developer who wants to restore the property, closed since 2010, and convert it into homes.

Campaigners believe a document obtained from Otley Museum, however, proves Leeds is morally obliged to ensure the Civic Centre remains in community use.

The minutes of the 1957 meeting which agreed the donation of the then Mechanics' Institute to Otley Urban District Council describe it as 'a gift for the benefit of the town'.

The Give Otley Its Town Hall! Chairman, Tom Featherstone, said: "The minutes clearly demonstrate that the Civic Centre was only donated on condition it was a 'gift for the benefit of the town', so it must remain in community use.

"This stipulation, made by the Mechanics Institute, means Leeds has no right to dispose of our civic building to a developer.

"The city council only came into the ownership of the Civic Centre by default and have failed to invest in it for years.

"Leeds must respect this condition by making clear they will not dispose of the building.

"They should also do the decent thing and finally agree to invest in the front building - the original 1871 Mechanics Institute - which served as Otley’s own hall for fifty years, and should be restored so it can do so again."

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) added: "It is now proven that the Civic Centre was donated to Otley on the clear premise it would serve the town and be used by the local council and people.

"Leeds must drop their disgraceful proposals to hand Otley’s only civic building to a developer."

Leeds City Council came into legal possession of the Civic Centre in 1974 when Otley Urban District Council was dissolved.

Councillor Richard Lewis, the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: "A number of statements made by the Give Otley Its Town Hall! campaign are simply not correct.

“The city council fully investigated the title of the building before commencing marketing and, in the case of Otley Civic Centre, found that the freehold interest is registered to Leeds City Council without any covenants that affect or govern future use.

“We have not made the decision to dispose of the property to a private developer but have instead compiled a shortlist of parties we will have further discussions with.

"We have clearly stated that no decision has yet been made, and that two of the shortlisted parties have proposed community access to the building."

Mr Featherstone, meanwhile, is urging residents to sign a petition at change.org/p/leeds-city-council-give-otley-its-town-hall .