PARISH councillors in Haworth reiterated their opposition to plans to convert the village's Bridgehouse Mills site into 45 retirement flats and 77 houses.

Members of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council considered revised and additional plans submitted as part of the overall application at their latest meeting on Monday. (Jan 16)

The application from Skipton Properties also features plans to build an extension to an existing industrial building which accommodates the business Airedale Springs and a new factory to house the firm Wyedean Weaving.

Cllr David Mahon said: "We feel that as this is being built next to a conservation area the layout and design of the houses must be more sympathetic to the mill and sympathetic to the valley.

"We also still object to some of the new buildings going onto the green belt land.

"The planned new park area [as part of the new development] will not be taken over by Bradford Council.

"So if they are going to create a park there would need to be a robust system in place to maintain it, otherwise it will become derelict and will be misused."

Cllr Mahon added that he and his colleagues were also concerned about the impact a proposed roundabout immediately outside the Bridgehouse Mills site would have on parking for nearby businesses.

He said the council remains worried about the potential flooding implications of additional water going into Bridgehouse Beck if the development is completed.

Cllr Trudy Mahon asked: "Will the flood alleviation measures they put in be acceptable to insurers? This is in flood zone three, so will these new houses get insurance?"

The application is still being considered by Bradford Council planning officers.

Skipton Properties has previously said that if it is approved, the development would contribute to local housing needs, enhance the environment through extensive landscaping work and support employment by providing new facilities for the two businesses already using the site.