Visuals reveal how major Darley Mill housing development could look

Computer-generated images have revealed how a major redevelopment of the former Darley Mill could look.

The building operated as a corn mill until the 1960s and was later converted into a restaurant and shop, which closed in 2016.

Leeds-based developer YorPlace was granted approval to convert the grade two listed building into nine properties, as well as develop 11 newbuilds, in 2022 by the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council.

Although spades didn’t hit the ground until last November – three years after plans to convert the 18th century corn mill were permitted – work to redevelop the site is now well underway.

YorPlace managing director, Toby Morton, today (March 17) told the Stray Ferret the company hopes the first phase of development will be finished by next spring.

Phase one, which is currently being delivered, includes the conversion of the former mill building into nine units and the construction of three newbuilds. 

Mr Morton said a start date for phase two, which will see the remaining eight newbuilds constructed, has not yet been confirmed but he hopes work will begin at the end of this year.

YorPlace hopes the entire redevelopment could be complete by spring 2028.

CGIs of how Deer Glade Park, the name of the new development, could look have now been shared by the developer.

The images show the original mill retained, with a range of houses and flats, plus a pond area and landscaping, created at the site.

The properties will be a range of two, three and four-bedroom units. 

Mr Morton told the Stray Ferret all the units will be for sale – none will be available to rent – and there will be no affordable homes at the site. 

He added:

Deer Glade Park sits on a just over five-acre plot, but Mr Morton said he believes some people “don’t appreciate” the size of the site nor the amount of space at the rear of the site, which is not visible from the main road.

Funding for church and community groups

Under section 106 agreements, developers agree sums to mitigate the impact of development on local services.

In this instance, YorPlace will pay £57,215 to "recreational projects".

Planning documents say the developer is set to pay £33,973 towards the Christ Church Hall in Darley; £7,418 towards Stocks Green amenity greenspace; £7,804 towards Darley Cricket Club and £2,520 towards Stocks Green park and garden.

Meanwhile, £5,499 will also be paid towards the enhancement of Fringill Beck natural green space.