Residents in Farnley are split over major plans to transform historic Stonebridge Mills into 126 homes.
The protected Stonebridge Lane building, which dates back to pre-1805 as steam-powered woollen mill, is Grade II Listed. But developers Stonebridge Mills Ltd say the redevelopment of the historic mills would be ‘sympathetic’.
A poll conducted by the West Leeds Dispatch earlier this month saw just over 50% of respondents support the development, 28% oppose it, 11% say they’d prefer something else and nearly 10% favour a supermarket, plans for which were withdrawn a few years ago. More than 150 people took part in the poll.
The development received a mixed reaction on social media.
Graham Scaife is worried about the lack of infrastructure in the area:
“Another 126 houses and still no infrastructure improvements roads schools doctors etc, I hear school availability is now Cottingley, which may take around 20 mins getting there at morning school times…”
But Lee Schofield welcomed the development:
“Good idea, pointless to leave the land to rot.”
And Fred Starling added:
“I welcome the development. The buildings will fall down unless something is done to renovate them in some form or other. You can’t just leave them – this could give them a new lease of life…”
Stephen Clayforth has objected to the proposals. In his objection added:
“Although, per se, I approve of these buildings being brought back into use before they are ruined by being left to languish I do object strenuously to the demolition of the Grade II listed buildings that are part of the project.
“Surely these can be retained within the scope of the development and used for some purpose within it even if this is as work spaces for the residents, some form of community areas or even as shops/restaurants/fast food establishments.”
The plans can be viewed in full – and commented upon – here.
