People are being asked to give their opinions on plans to put a new Wharfedale Hospital on land next to Garnett's mill in Otley.

Leeds Health Authority announced last week it had chosen a site to the east of the mill, off Pool Road, as the best place to relocate the hospital.

A team of health representatives had chosen the site over High Royds Hospital at Menston - either to build new or to use existing buildings - or at the hospital's current site in Newall Carr Road.

And yesterday, Garnett's said it was asking Leeds planners to consider a residential development of 30 to 40 houses on the same piece of land. However, managing director Tom Hurst said a final decision on the use of the land depended on the views of the community and the commercial interests of the company.

Now the health authority is asking people to make any comments before June 25 and ahead of a board meeting on July 20.

Copies of the report into how the site was chosen are available from the health authority in Leeds and are being sent to libraries, doctors' surgeries, hospital clinics and other public places.

Mike Ramsden, chief executive of Leeds Health Authority, said: "Having completed the process of the site option appraisal, which took into account the key issues identified in the consultation, we are now sharing information about the sites.

"We are seeking views on whether any significant facts have been overlooked or omitted, and whether any additional facts should be taken into account."

During the year-long consultation there had been a very good response from people within the hospital's proposed catchment area, he added.

"There was a large and diverse response from people living locally. I hope they will now take the opportunity to consider this latest piece of work and its recommendation and write to us by June 25."

Mr Ramsden said comments would be taken into account by the health authority and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust before a final decision was made at the authority's board meeting on July 20.

It follows years of uncertainty over the future of the hospital.

The choice of Otley has been welcomed by town leaders who say it is great news for residents and for businesses.

Copies of the summary report can be obtained from Julie Turner, assistant director of planning, Leeds Health Authority, Blenheim House, West One, Leeds LS1 4PL. Written comments should be made to Mike Ramsden, Chief Executive, Leeds Health Authority, Blenheim House, West One, Leeds LS1 4PL.

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