Bid to save 'iconic' landmark Otley cafe from being demolished (From Ilkley Gazette)
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Bid to save 'iconic' landmark Otley cafe from being demolished
11:32am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Local news By Jim Jack
Dunnies cafe in Otley
Councillors are calling upon planners to reject a bid to demolish “an iconic Otley landmark”.
Gladman Care Homes Ltd have submitted proposals to build a 48-flat development on a former school site off Bridge Street.
The scheme would see part two, part three, and part four-storey homes built on the old All Saints Middle School plot, an area that has been branded an eyesore for years.
But the plan also involves demolishing Dunnies, a riverside cafe that has become one of the town’s most popular destinations since opening in 1925, and the adjoining Wharfe View News.
Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said that should be resisted: “Dunnies is a landmark building in Otley, which is why I asked last year for it to be Listed.”
Fellow Lib Dem ward Councillor Sandy Lay added: “Generations of Otley residents, along with thousands of cyclists, have fond memories of a mug of tea and bacon sandwich at Dunnies.
“This is a building which is famous throughout the county and beyond. Its loss would leave a hole in the heart of the town.”
Despite the concern about Dunnies, many residents and councillors are keen for the former school site itself to be developed. But plans to build a 60-room dementia care home there were rejected last year due to concerns about its position and size.
Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said he would like to see a scheme that does not tower over neighbouring homes and does not require the loss of nearby Dunnies.
He said: “Though none of us would miss the adjacent derelict school building, it would be premature to allow the thriving cafe to be removed.”
In its application Gladman Care Homes Ltd says its Otley development would be “for persons aged 60 and over”. Dunnies’ owner Paul Davies, meanwhile, confirmed last year that he was prepared to sell up should the current plan proceed.
Comments(3)
Frances Lincoln
says...
10:32am Mon 15 Apr 13
The Councillors need shooting if they carry on attempting to restrict development on this eyesore of a site.
Lets not forget the owners of Dunnies and the newsagent will not be out of pocket. The developers will have seen them right
Frances Lincoln
says...
10:35am Mon 15 Apr 13
Once again this a knee jerk - vote chasing reaction by the Councillors. If Dunnies was that important they would have looked into getting Dunnies Listed years ago....PATHETIC
watcher22 says...
2:49pm Tue 2 Apr 13
The owner is retiring and unless someone wants to take it on then that is the way it goes.
It also looks as if the people living around the area are going to get some very big 4 storey buildings poking up.
It won't look very good from the river, blocking the gradual view up into the town.
There will be no replacement for Dunnies in Otley. Nowhere elso can you get a snack or meal for that price. Other cafes should take note. I doubt if Dunnies was a low income cafe, he could have put his prices up 20 or 30 percent and people would have still gone in for a meal.
I pass other cafes, half empty, with people drinking a little cup of tea and a scone they paid two pounds or more for.
A shame the cafe couldn't be taken on and supply such meals and cuppas, or rather big muggas, for the current reglars and passers by, walkers, cyclists, bikers, trippers and locals.
By those who know it the cafe will be sorely missed of all social groups from all walks of life.