Redevelopment hopes rise for former riverside paper mill

Developer David Wilson Homes has been in discussions with Leeds Council about creating over 200 homes and apartments at Garnett's Mill in Otley.

The plans include a riverside restaurant and bar, 41 retirement apartments, offices, flats and houses across the 15-acre plot next to the river Wharfe.

The mill building will be converted to apartments.

The scheme would also include a public car park and a public space in the style of an amphitheatre, a riverside walk and cycle paths.

Council officers have been in discussions with the David Wilson Homes about the details of the scheme.

A report to the plans panel (west) next Thursday says the developer has scaled back some of the project, removing the proposed hotel and doctors' surgery,

Councillors are being asked for their views on the design and appearance of the buildings, as well as the layout and a revised road access plan.

Last night a spokesman for David Wilson Homes described the scheme as "very technically challenging".

He said the company hoped to get two planning applications formally approved by the council in January or February.