Former Garnett's Paper Mill

FORMER GARNETT'S PAPER MILL, OTLEY

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PROJECT DETAILS

JRP were appointed jointly by Otley Riverside Holdings Ltd and David Wilson Homes in 2009. The site of the former Garnetts Paper Mill occupies a key location on the southern bank of the River Wharfe just to the east of the Grade II Listed bridge and partly within the Conservation Area. Its previous use had excluded public access along this section of the River Wharfe and the Team recognised its potential to re-establish the Town’s linkages with its riverside.

The site comprises three distinct areas, the eastern waterside, the central body of the site and the western approach, each with its own set of attributes and challenges including ecology, flood risk and historic buildings.

The eastern waterside area lies within the Conservation Area, and comprises the eastern site access along the river terminating at the Mill Yard, including the non-residential uses, restored buildings and new public space. Vehicular access beyond this point into the main part of the site is restricted to public transport only for highway reasons.

The central part of the site contains the majority of the new homes. The concept for this area created two distinct parcels of development. The urban grain to the west responds to the historic grain of Otley with a dense gridded layout. To the east the grain becomes much less dense and looser in grain, which responds to the edge of settlement locality, and softening the transition to the green undeveloped spaces beyond. Responding to feedback from the public consultation, the proposed new build dwellings are traditional in character with a style sympathetic to the Otley character built from a mix of natural and high quality artificial stone.

The western approach is a simple rural lane connecting the site with one of Otley’s transport arteries, Pool Road. This lane passes through the new ecology park that embraces the southern and western areas of the site.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Number of Homes: 235

Site Size (ha): 9.5

Net Density: 50dwellings/ha

Range: 1-5 bed

Tenure Mix: 75% Private, 13% Social Rent, 12% Intermediate