MAJOR plans which could see the transformation of much of Otley's riverside have been enthusiastically supported by residents..

People have reacted positively to what they see as the modernisation of the riverside and the opening up of the area to pedestrians and cyclists.

More than 130 took up the opportunity to comment on plans for the Garnett's mill site while around 100 attended a two-day exhibition held last month at Otley Civic Centre.

And to the statement 'these proposals represent an exciting opportunity for Otley', 77 strongly agreed and 26 agreed.

To the plans, which include more than 370 houses and apartments, a 50 bed hotel and offices, 20 people strongly disagreed and two more just disagreed.

In the week applicant Otley Riverside Holding Ltd submitted two planning applications to Leeds City Council, consultants revealed the results of the public consultation.

An outline planning application seeks to establish access to the site off Pool Road and for a mixed development of restaurant, pub, hotel, retirement complex, residential and surgery.

A second application concerns minerals and remediation works on the former paper dump where houses would be built.

Property consultant Richard Whitehorn said: "Broadly, about 78 per cent of respondents made positive comments about the development, most considered it would create a vibrant and popular waterfront."

He said the main worry of those who expressed concern was about the increase in traffic.

"Some fears were expressed about the increase in traffic on surrounding streets and the need to keep industry within the Otley area.

"It is clear that people are supportive of the proposal and in particular agree that a mixture of uses and large areas of green public open space are important to bring vitality to Otley's riverside and that the regeneration of the site will be beneficial to community needs."

Headingley-based consultants Gillespies, who sent out 6,000 leaflets to Otley householders and who staged last month's exhibition, revealed that key themes to emerge from the consultation were the potential for sports facilities on the site and that the development could attract tourism and business.

In addition, people thought there was a potential for a new river bridge and that it would make the most of the riverside.

The scheme, which includes a new circular pedestrian and cycle route next to the river and nature park, would require more free parking and would have to respect the Otley Conservation Area.

If planning permission is given, a large area of former dumping ground will have to be cleaned up and a new access created onto the Pool Road just beyond Otley Cemetery.

One person commented that the plans 'looked excellent' and that the 'modernisation of Otley was much needed'. Another remarked that the 'riverside path and public square are particularly good ideas'.

However, one person was worried about the loss of jobs at Garnett's while another commented: "There are enough facilities without developing this site, have you imagined the horrendous traffic snarl up this will cause."