Historic mill restoration plans recommended for approval

Plans for the restoration and residential conversion of a historic mill, together with a number of new build homes, look set to get the go-ahead later today (27 January 2021).Westwood Wilson Ltd, supported by Malcolm Sizer Planning, submitted an application to Kirklees Council in March 2020 for the redevelopment of Westwood Mill, Linthwaite.The mill complex comprises five grade II*-listed buildings and structures dating back to early 19th century.Planning permission is sought for the partial demolition, rebuild and extension of the listed buildings to create 63 apartments.Alongside the restoration of the existing buildings, 64 new-build homes would be constructed, forming six blocks of terraced properties.The application is due to be considered by the council’s Strategic Planning Committee on 27 January. An officer’s report prepared for the meeting recommends that consent is granted, subject to conditions and the signing of a legal agreement.Planning permission was previously granted in 2005 for the partial demolition and conversion of the mill buildings, and new-build housing, to create 108 apartments. Alternative proposals have been developed as this scheme is no longer considered financially viable.The grade II-listed Titanic Mill, comprising apartments and a spa, is located to the east of the application site. The proposed development is expected to improve the setting of this building.