Plan for 100 apartments at mill site

Developer Richard Binks wants to provide 103 more homes after supermarket Netto withdrew its plan to bring 44 jobs to the development.

“Consequently we said ‘right, we’ve got to do something on this site,” said Mr Binks.

“We went back to our architect who has come up with this amazing new concept for us.”

In his application to Kirklees Council, he has asked to turn the ground and first floors of Blakeridge Mill into 58 flats and add a further apartment at a converted tower.

The gym and swimming pool previously proposed for those areas would instead be constructed at Sugar Mill and Jubilee Mill complex at the site.

In addition, a Pavillion building would contain 44 new apartments where the former go karting plot once stood.

In total, 364 homes would eventually be provided at the site off Mayman Lane if the application is approved.

Mr Binks said: “This development is really special. We have breathed new life into the beautiful Blakeridge Mill Village buildings.”

However, the development has been under progress for around 10 years, with the first planning applications for it placed in 2006.

And a previous Section 106 planning obligation from 2013 has been modified so that the developer no longer has to contribute towards affordable housing, education and residential Travel Plan monitoring fees.

But Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) said: “Binks has tried their best to do whatever they can over many years.

“After they started, there was a massive austerity programme, there was a massive economic downturn.

“He has been chipping away slowly but surely.

“We need to make sure that area of town is regenerated.”

He added that the company is bringing jobs into the area.