Apperley Bridge is set to get its first multi-million pound apartments development - aimed at professionals who work in Bradford or Leeds.

Landmark Developments Ltd, which has already transformed office blocks in the heart of Bradford city centre into apartments, has switched to scenic Apperley Bridge for its next major project.

Now the company will transform empty Oaklea Mill near Tenterfields in Apperley Bridge into 61 apartments in a £3.5 million scheme.

But the conversion of an industrial site into housing has been criticised by city Liberal Democrats.

Landmark Developments has also submitted a planning application to Bradford Council to build a further 24 apartments on the remainder of the site.

The announcement comes as the Leeds-based company begins work to turn the historic Treadwell's Mill in Little Germany into 33 apartments at a cost of £2 million.

The company received a £446,000 grant from Yorkshire Forward towards that development and the scheme is due for completion in the middle of November. Strata Construction has been appointed to carry out the refurbishment and building project.

If planning permission is granted for the Apperley Bridge scheme, work will start towards the end of next year and the scheme will take about a year to complete.

Nick Elliott, director of Landmark Developments, said some of the apartments would be within the mill's existing water tower.

"We have a great deal of experience in the residential sector and have found that redeveloping old mills and commercial property into quality living accommodation enhances the area.

"This is the first time we have branched out into the Apperley Bridge area which we believe is a strong up-and-coming location for Leeds and Bradford city workers."

Liberal Democrat group leader and ward councillor Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said: "I have no criticism of the scheme. But it is an absolute nonsense that this land is being used for housing when it is an industrial site and perfectly good greenbelt opposite has been earmarked for industry in the unitary development plan.

"Bradford Council has broken all the eggs but I suppose we can now enjoy the omelette."

Coun David Ward - also a ward councillor - said his only concern would be about increases in traffic on the already busy roads.