Homes plan for mill with 'huge amount of history'

A 19th Century mill site in Brontë Country - described as "one of the last mills in the area" - could be converted into housing.

An application to demolish sections of Vale Mill, a short distance from Oakworth Station, has been submitted to Bradford Council.

Application documents say a Grade II listed section of the mill would be retained and converted, but an unused area would be demolished if plans are approved.

The demolition application submitted by Jonathan Heaton says the site will be vacant by the end of the year, with work getting under way in December if approved. A bid for homes is expected to be submitted in the near future.

Alongside the unused section of the mill, a warehouse and a derelict garage at Vale Mill would be demolished.

Conservative councillor Rebecca Poulsen raised concerns over the scheme, saying it would likely prompt "a lot of questions" as it was "not an easy site to access via Vale Mill Lane".

Built in the early 19th Century for John Greenwood, the mill was given its listed status in 1986.

Designed as a spinning mill, at its height the site employed more than 110 people.

The application says: "The buildings to be demolished are in poor condition and have deteriorated.

"The site has been occupied, but will become vacant by the end of 2026 and therefore unable to maintain buildings insurance - it will also be at risk of vandalism.

"Many buildings contain asbestos, which will be removed before demolition, which will further deteriorate the structures to be demolished."

The application adds: "Once the site has been cleared and listed building secured, (the site is) proposed for residential redevelopment, including restoration of listed building into residential."

The site is on Vale Mill Lane, on the border of Cross Roads and Oakworth, next to the junction with Mytholmes Lane.

The road is infamous for its blind bend, with "Hoot!" painted on a wall to encourage drivers to sound their horns before navigating the tight bend.

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway line is just yards away from the mill.

Poulsen, who represents Worth Valley, said she hoped local residents would be fully consulted on the planned housing development.

She said: "Vale Mills is one of the last mills in the area and has a huge amount of history linked to it.

"This proposal is to demolish some derelict and unused outbuildings, plus a garage, but the application does say once the site is cleared it is proposed for residential development.

"This will bring a lot of questions and concerns locally as this is not an easy site to access via Vale Mill Lane.

"Any proposals for redevelopment must carefully consider the impact on existing residents."

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