THE BIGGEST ever consultation on the long term future of Otley's riverside has been launched by Otley Town Partnership.

Costing £36,000, the consultation will result in a master plan which in turn it is hoped will shape any future development - including housing and industrial or retail development.

The partnership, which has commissioned the study as part of its town centre action plan to make the most of Otley, believes a comprehensive view of almost two miles of riverside should be taken.

And using picturesque Knares-borough and the Leeds riverside as its inspiration, it is asking people to come forward with ideas of how they would like to see the riverside develop - if at all.

From Otley Sailing Club, beyond Bridge End, to Gallows Hill, people are being asked what they would like to see.

Some might like a riverside bar stretching to the river at the yet to be developed Ashfield Works site, while others might like better footpath access to the river.

The jewel in Otley's crown, Wharfemeadows Park, could be considered underused and a shadow of its heyday when boating and bands were a major draw for people from Leeds and Bradford.

Then there is the flooding risk and restoration plans for Otley Bridge - is the replacement of the 50 year old pedestrian bridge a practical proposition? And if so, what should it be replaced with? An ultra modern steel structure that would put Otley firmly on the map, or a wooden single span bridge?

Wakefield based consultants Spawforth Associates are now talking to landowners, city planners and the Environment Agency ahead of a public meeting in Otley Civic Centre on Thursday, November 6.

Its brief from OTP is to create an 'achievable, concept document by assessing the existing and potential land uses along the river.'

Its objectives are:

l Establishing a concept of the riverfront developed in the context of the needs and aspirations of Otley.

l Producing a document looking at the overall existing and potential land uses.

l To show that potential land uses are both sustainable and viable through various grants or other means.

lCreating a viable concept that is likely to be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guid-ance by Leeds City Council.

l Developing a strategy with a phased implementation to maximise the potential of both active and quiet use of the riverside.

lIdentifying how public spaces may be better used for residents, workers and visitors.

l Working together with other Market Towns Initiative proposals.

The area included in the study covers both sides of the River Wharfe from the Sailing Club to Gallows Hill Nature Park.

It proposes that the visionary document will include the use of the river itself, including boating, as well as land uses and access proposals - such as the establishment of new footpaths.

It will also outline any possible flood risks, flood defence proposals and take account of those in any future land use.

Phil Coyne, chairman of OTP's Environment Group, said many people in the town do not believe enough is made of the river.

He would like to see an all-embracing master plan for the riverside - but one put together with ideas and comments from people in the town.

"It may be that people most value the unspoilt beauty of the riverside, on the other hand some people may see great potential for development," he said.

l The meeting on Thursday, November 6 at Otley Civic Centre is due to run from 7pm to 9pm. Written comments can be sent to Phil Coyne, at Otley Civic Centre, Cross Green, Otley.