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10
Sept
Developer gives update on Darley Mill housing scheme
The developer and owner of Darley Mill has provided an update on the site's redevelopment.
Leeds firm YorPlace was granted planning permission to convert the grade two listed building into nine properties, and to construct 11 new build houses, by the former Harrogate Borough Council more than two years ago.
But little appears to have changed at the 18th-century former corn mill, which was a well-known shop and restaurant before its closure in 2016.
The Stray Ferret asked YorPlace for an update on the development.
Managing director Toby Morton today told the Stray Ferret the firm was “not a building developer”, and therefore had to source external contractors to carry out work. He added:
We don’t have a building arm of the business ourselves. We’ve been working fairly tirelessly to find an external contractor.
Mr Morton said the skillset required of a builder to both convert a listed building and construct new build properties had “narrowed down options” and had caused the delay.
He added recent “economic instability” affecting the building industry had added to the delay.
However, he said the firm has shortlisted five Yorkshire-based contractors and hoped to have quotes back from each one by this Friday (September 13).
Mr Morton said there were more stages to negotiate after that, but he “very much hoped” construction work will start at the beginning of 2025.
The Stray Ferret also asked when the development was likely to be finished.
Mr Morton said he hoped people will be able to move into the converted building within 18 months, but added it was likely to take around two years until all construction work is done.
He said:
We are not normally the type of developer to buy a property and sit on it. We normally find one, get planning and get it done as quick as we can.
We are the last people who want to see Darley Mill remain vacant – we want to get this project going.
Property details
The properties will all be listed for sale – not leased – and none of them will be classed as affordable housing, Mr Morton said.
The converted mill will be split into four houses and five apartments. The houses will be made up of three or four-bedrooms, while the apartments will be two or three-bedroom properties.
The new build homes, which will be built at the Darley Mill site, will range from three to five-bedrooms.
The Stray Ferret asked Mr Morton if the firm had an idea of pricing at this stage, however he said it was “too early to say”.
He added:
It is a stunning part of the area – the view is absolutely magnificent.
We have previously taken on listed building conversions and new build developments, so we felt Darley Mill would be a good way to demonstrate our skills.
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