I WAS disturbed by the planning permission reported in the article – Housing is approved in face of opposition (Keighley News, February 16).

In terms of tourist attractions, the K&WVR is a big draw and perhaps should be treated as a World Heritage Site, in a similar way to Saltaire village and Salts Mill.

We also have the Leeds and Liverpool Canal nearby. Not forgetting Haworth and the Brontës. We need to ensure these historic sites are not blemished but, rather, enhanced.

The selling of the new-build properties will cover the renovation of the mill but we need to be aware that over and above this balance, there is a strategic investment here.

The proposed mill retirement flats will produce a significant income and capital stream (frequent renegotiation of lease extensions) for the site freeholder into the future – i.e. until the freehold is sold, which it may never be.

An alternative: The town planners should consult with a tourism body/company/expert; the expert proposes a scheme for the area, for example houses from another part of the town from the same era as the mill and railway could be deconstructed and reconstructed next to the railway. This would create a similar village to Saltaire. The site the houses were moved from could be used for new houses; the companies currently housed in the mill vicinity could have new buildings in the existing Keighley retail parks, which will be better for the companies, the town, freight transport and traffic de-congestion of the town; the freehold of the mill should be held in a new management company with the leaseholders as shareholders so the leaseholders (retirees) are not taken advantage of. Another shareholder should be someone from the council, with responsibility for Keighley tourism. This shareholder would make sure the mill’s upkeep ensures the tourist attraction is kept in good order; planning permission could be revoked. If Skipton Properties object then the council buys the freehold from them. Without planning permission, the price should be similar to Skipton Properties’ purchase price.

The tourism angle is extremely important for the town. There has been recent news about a steam engine being used on a timetabled journey on the Settle to Carlisle route and this was very successful. There are few locations where the UK rail network has a connection to an historic steam railway and the K&WVR railway is world renowned for the film The Railway Children. We should not let this heritage disappear amongst new-build estates.

PHIL DRAKE Chesterfield