Churchill Living

Otley

Churchill Living are bringing forward proposals for a new retirement living development at the former Ashfield Works, A659 Westgate, Otley.

The site is on the northern side of Westgate, Otley situated in front of Anchor’s Wharfeside Care Home and west of the neighbouring Falcon Sports and Social Club. It forms part of wider site allocation in the Leeds Site Allocations Plan (2019, amended 2024) under reference MX2-1. The plan indicates that the allocated site is suitable for a mix of residential and town centre uses, including older persons’ housing.

Churchill’s vision is to make a significant investment to bring this long-term vacant brownfield site back into beneficial use for an independent retirement living community. The proposal is for a high-quality three storey apartment building of 20x one-bedroom and 9x two-bedroom apartments and a two storey cottage at the site’s frontage with Westgate.

The emerging design seeks to respect the character of Otley Conservation Area, utilising materials found in the local area, including natural stone walling, natural grey blue slate roof tiles and metal balconies and juliette balconies.

As well as greatly improving the street scene in this part of Otley town centre, the proposals would also make a significant contribution locally in terms of social, economic and environmental benefits.

This website provides a wide range of information regarding the site and, our plans, plus information about Churchill Living’s retirement communities. You can review this information using the tabs on this website.

Your Views

We would value your feedback on our proposed development so please provide your views via our feedback page.

Your comments will be used to help evolve the proposals prior to a planning application being submitted to Leeds City Council.

You can see more information on this website and by downloading our consultation boards.

Benefits

Supporting local businesses

The site is close to shops and essential services in Otley reducing the need to travel and delivering a significant uplift in expenditure at local shops.

Regeneration of an important site

The proposals would bring this long-term vacant site into beneficial use.

Meeting the needs of older people

Moving to a Churchill community allows residents to maintain independence and enjoy an active, low-maintenance lifestyle in a supportive, age-friendly environment.

Reducing demand on the health services

Retirement communities reduce the risk of health challenges by helping to reduce loneliness as well as improving safety and security.

Freeing up homes

Providing homes at the top of the housing ladder helps release properties back onto the market for local families and, in turn, homes for first-time buyers.

Sheila Burch

Manns Lodge (Cranleigh)

The location of my new apartment couldn’t be better, we’re right next to the High Street and everything we need is on our doorstep. I lived a bit further out before, and whilst I can still drive at the moment it’s nice to know that I won’t have to rely on the car in future.

Michael Pope

Invicta Lodge (Westwood Cross)

I previously lived in a three-bed semi-detached house just 500 yards away from Invicta Lodge. Moving here is the best thing I ever did, my apartment is just right and it’s nice to have a bit of company around me as well as safety and security.