Mill to be converted into flats as weavers stay put

PLANS to convert a West Yorkshire mill building into flats have been approved despite the fact that the new homes will be right next to a working weaving mill.

Skipton Properties’ plans for Bridgehouse Mills in Haworth were first approved in 2017.

Originally the developer planned to build dozens of houses to the rear of the site, and convert the mill and a large building occupied by Wyedean Weaving into flats.

Wyedean would then relocate to a purpose-built factory on the site as part of an agreement with Skipton Properties.

Some of the work has already been carried out as the new factory was built and 63 homes have been constructed and occupied.

But the deal between Wyedean and Skipton Properties fell apart, and the long-established company is remaining in its current building.

Despite this, Skipton Properties has pushed ahead with plans to convert the rest of the mill building into flats.

At a meeting of Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee, members were asked to approve a slightly different application for 23 apartments in the mill building.

The mill apartments were originally due to be for over-55 occupancy only, but Skipton had applied to lift this condition.

During the discussion, several people raised concerns that the application would see residential flats right next to a factory that operates well into the night.

Conservative councillor Rebecca Poulsen said: “We’ll have industrial use and residential use in one building. That is very unusual and clearly not ideal. It is likely to cause conflicts over noise.

“It would not be right for extra conditions to be imposed on Wyedean.”

Richard Irving, representing Wyedean, said the company had “grave reservations” over parking for the flats, access to the site and concerns that the factory could suffer from noise complaints by new residents.

Jo Steele, representing Skipton Properties, said: “Planning policy supports new uses for listed buildings.

“This will allow a listed, restored building to be brought back into use.”