Former woollen mills could be turned into flats

Two derelict Bradford mills could be converted into flats if new residential plans are approved.

A planning application has been submitted to redevelop two mill buildings on Bolton Hall Road, together known as Victor Works.

If approved by Bradford Council, 30 flats would be created in the former woollen mills.

A smaller building on the same site would also be converted into two homes, under plans submitted by Mahmood Holdings Ltd.

The company has promised "significant investment" in the site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The buildings are part of the New Bolton Woods area, which has been earmarked for more than 3,000 new homes by 2030.

It is part of Bradford Council's plans to make the Canal Road Corridor (CRC) between Bradford and Shipley one of the city's main development areas.

Many of the homes in the area are planned for New Bolton Woods and the former Bolton Woods Quarry sites, although others would be built on smaller brownfield sites in the area.

"The proposed development will see a significant investment to convert the former mills to apartments and the former out-building into two dwellings," the planning application said.

The new mill would have a mix of 24 two-bed flats and six one-bed flats.

A 35-space car park would also be created within the site.

Referencing the Canal Road Corridor development, the application said: "A portfolio of eight sites have been identified as the preferred set of site options for the CRC to meet the housing requirement.

"The council will be supportive of additional proposals for new homes on additional small sites, particularly those that provide a redevelopment opportunity to bring forward land which has been previously used.

"Support will also be provided to developers who wish to develop larger sites and/or buildings for new homes not currently identified."

The developer contacted 150 homes nearby about the plans earlier this year, and the application included some of the feedback, with one resident questioning who the flats would be aimed at.

"The demographic would be for buyers or renters. It has not been decided at this point," it said in response.

Others raised concerns about parking and the developers argued residents would be provided with adequate on-site spaces.

A decision on the application is expected later this summer.

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