PLANS for the redevelopment of a Haworth mill that was gutted by fire a decade ago have been approved.

Bradford Council today gave to go ahead for Skipton Properties’ plans to convert existing listed buildings at Ebor Mills into homes, and building new homes on the rest of the site.

During a two hour debate, members of Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee heard from local Councillors who raised concerns about the scheme.

And there have also been numerous objections to the plans from residents, who fear the development will lead to increased traffic to the site, off Ebor Lane.

But Councillors pointed out that the land is still classed as industrial use from its long history as a mill - and any resumption of industry at the site could lead to much more traffic than the planned housing.

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Ebor Mills, then the home of Airedale Springs, was ravaged by fire in 2010, leading to the main mill building being demolished.

Skipton Properties’ plan for the site would see the listed building into 14 homes and the construction of 24 houses on the site. The mill chimney would also be retained.

The committee heard that 68 people had objected to the plans, with concerns ranging from poor access to the site to claims the housing would be unwanted development on the edge of Haworth.

Councillor Rebecca Poulsen (Cons, Worth Valley) spoke at the meeting and called the application, which has gone through numerous amendments since it was first revealed to the public in 2018, was "One of the most complicated I have ever come across."

She added: "This application would be very difficult for a lay person to follow. It is difficult for people to keep up with."

David Mahon of Crossroads, Haworth and Stanbury Parish Council, also questioned the plans. He said: "The open space at the site contributes to the listed buildings. If we allow development of housing it will visually impact the setting of the listed buildings."

Referring to the village's historic Keighley and Worth Valley Railway line, he said: "The historic railway goes through the village, and more and more houses are being built. It will destroy the heritage of the railway. It will start impacting tourism, which brings a lot of money into the area. We keep on building, when will it stop?"

Sarah Barraclough, Managing Director of Skipton Properties, said the plans had changed "quite dramatically" from when the company first had a public consultation on the future of the site.

She said: "The plans have overcome significant challenges due to the proximity to the beck and the need to maintain heritage aspects. We think we have developed a scheme Haworth can be proud of.

"We don't shy away from challenges, we relish them." 

Councillor Mike Ellis (Cons, Bingley Rural) acknowledged the concerns from residents, but pointed out that refusing this application would not completely remove any future traffic problems.

He said: "This site, were it not used for housing, could be used for all sorts of uses, without needing planning permission."

John Eyles, senior planning officer, said the site's industrial past meant it could be used for industry or storage in the future. He added: "This is an industrial site at the moment, and that use goes back to before planning permission existed, meaning we have no control over issues like noise or traffic. It could still be used for unrestricted industrial use."

Cllr Ellis added: "Do we want this site to continue as an industrial site or do we want it to contribute to the housing need for the area?

"My answer is that this site should be housing before anything else."

The committee approved the plans, which will also include a new parking area for the residents of nearby Ebor Cottages and footway widening works.