Bradford's industrial past is the inspiration for a towering apartment complex planned for the heart of the city.

Architects want to build three

15-storey "chimney-style" blocks in the 300-home complex to mirror the city's textile mills heritage.

The company behind the project said it was inspired by the district's landmark buildings, including Lister's Mill and Salts Mill.

David Storrie Associates has submitted plans for a site between Hamm Strasse and Trafalgar Street off Manningham Lane.

Some existing mills would have to be demolished, but the sheer height of the planned new development could cause planning difficulties.

Most of the proposed building would be six storeys high, but it has three so-called "statement towers" - each 15 storeys tall and containing two penthouses.

Architect Phil Knapton said the towers were based on the district's historic chimney stacks and, along with the rest of the building, would mimic a textile mill.

He said: "We felt Bradford lacked landmark buildings. The idea from my point of view was that it was supposed to silhouette the textile mills."

Last month another developer submitted a scaled-down plan for an 11-storey building in Little Germany following criticism of its earlier proposals for a 17-storey skyscraper.

But Mr Knapton said his building, with more than 200 two-bedroom apartments, and around 80 single room units, is different.

"There is nothing wrong with the scale of this and nothing that won't sit well in Bradford," he said.

Regeneration boss Coun Simon Cooke, said he was pleased a developer was prepared to speculate in that area of Manningham.

"It is good news that someone is looking to invest there - but we must make sure the development fits into the community," he said.

Ward Councillor Choudhary Rangzeb (Lab, Manningham) cautiously welcomed the plan. He said: "A 15-storey building seems massive but it may not be so overpowering because it is on a slope."