Mixed-use plans for former tumble dryer factory site set for approval

A mixed-use development including housing, a retirement village, care home, discount supermarket and industrial units on the site of a former tumble dryer manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire looks set to get the green light next week (15 February 2022).Crosslee Properties Ltd submitted an application to Calderdale Council in 2021 for development on the former Lightcliffe Works site off Brighouse Road, Hipperholme.The 27-acre site was previously occupied by the Crosslee plc tumble drier factory, which comprised a number of large buildings and ancillary structures and employed up to 700 people at its peak.Crosslee made the decision to crease production at the facility in 2019 and demolition of the buildings was completed in late 2020.Outline planning permission is being sought for a mixed-use development including a retail foodstore, industrial units, care home, retirement village, residential development and access works.Crosslee Park would comprise 106 private one- to five-bedroom houses including affordable homes. There will also be a care home, assisted living accommodation and a McCarthy & Stone retirement village, including 24 bungalows.About 80,000 sq ft of industrial space would be provided in ten units ranging from 2,500 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft. There would also be provision for a 19,420 sq ft foodstore. The plans include 4.5-acres of mature woodlands and public open space, as well as a tree and grass-lined pedestrian and cycle ‘green corridor’ route running through the development.Crosslee Park would also include pedestrian and cycle links with the recently approved Taylor Wimpey development of 91 new homes to the north of the site.It has been estimated that 208 full-time equivalent jobs would be created at Crosslee Park, which has a construction cost of about £60m.The application will go before the council’s Planning Committee on 15 February 2022 and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The masterplan for Crosslee Park was designed by Leeds-based Whittam Cox Architects.