Two heritage bodies have voiced concerns over plans to demolish a Keighley mill, saying its loss would cause “significant harm” to the town’s history.
A planning application to demolish Walk Mills and replace the buildings with modern industrial units was submitted to Bradford Council last month.
The application, by B&E Boys, said sections of the mill had been demolished over the years, and that the remaining buildings “were not fit for modern usage”.
Referring to the modern units that would replace the old mill buildings, the application said: “The new floorspace will encourage businesses in sub-par accommodation to relocate to Keighley.”
But the plans have raised eyebrows with two heritage groups, both of which say it is one of the few surviving mills that link the town to its industrial past.
Historic Buildings and Places has written to Bradford Council with concerns about the plans to demolish the mill.
The group’s response says: “The mill is a legacy of the town’s textile heritage.
“The complete loss of a heritage asset would result in significant harm.
“The application has not provided suitable justification as to why the existing buildings are unable to remain in their current light industrial use.
“The heritage statement attempts to downplay the interest in the mill buildings for their plain design, but these were utilitarian factory buildings, and their historic interest is in their age, use of materials, and contribution to the industrialisation and wealth of the town in the 19th century.
“The loss of so many other mill complexes to fire and redevelopment add to the importance of Walk Mills as a surviving example of an industry that once thrived in the valley.
“A large proportion of the site is unused and would support a level of new development.
“Together with modernisation and adaptation of the existing mill buildings, this would provide a mix of work units and light industrial uses to support a wide range of employment needs in the town.”
The organisation recommends the plans be withdrawn.
The West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service has also responded to the Council, saying: “Walk Mills are a Class III Site of Archaeological Interest due to their long association with textile manufacturing.
“Early evidence of mechanisation and the manufacture of textile machinery is also recorded at Walk Mills.
“With such a complex history the archaeological evidence at Walk Mills is of regional significance.
“The mill complex at Walk Mills has the potential to combine important archaeological evidence of the development and use of waterpower.
“We would recommend a redesign of the proposals to preserve aspects of the mill’s historic industrial character and its contribution to the understand of the development of industry in the Worth Valley.”
A decision on the application is expected next month.
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