Bradford mill plan approved

Browntree Properties Limited first lodged plans for student accommodation, a wedding gift shop and a grill restaurant at the Legrams Mill complex in Legrams Lane last year.

The application said that finding a “viable economic use” for the mill would be “critical” to the success of its regeneration.

But the plans were turned down due to concerns over the the size of the proposed residential units and inadequate parking provision.

The plans were then resubmitted at the beginning of this year, but with measures and mitigation to address the reasons for refusal.

The application said additional on-site parking had been created and two of the residential units had been merged to form a common/kitchen area to provide a "good level of comfort".

Part of the ground floor will be changed into a grill restaurant, the front section of West End House will be turned into a retail outlet selling wedding gifts and related items and the remainder of the ground floor will be turned into student accommodation, consisting of eight 'studio pad' type units.

In granting approval, planning officer Julian Farrar says: "The student accommodation resembles a house in multiple occupation layout, with a kitchen for common use and each unit having its own bathroom.

"As the accommodation is for students, the previous concern about the size of the units is no longer considered applicable."

He adds: "The mill is a Grade II-listed building and hence requires sustainable uses to maintain its presence."

The report says, in principle, the proposed uses are not considered incompatible with the current uses.

Odour and noise were highlighted as issues which may have an impact on the proposed accommodation, however two potential ventilation strategies have been submitted and the report says noise can be controlled by limiting the hours of use of the premises.

The report describes highways safety as a "bone of contention", with parking being the subject of "much debate".

It says the parking allocation "does not fully meet policy requirements", but it's not considered that this will lead to highways safety concerns.

The report adds: "A previous application was refused in November 2018 on the grounds of the size of its rooms and parking implications. The room size has been addressed by adding a common kitchen and turning the rooms from self-contained flats into student accommodation.

"Adverse implications arising from a lower level of parking are considered acceptable when balanced against keeping a listed building in viable use.The previous reasons for refusal have therefore been addressed."

The applicant said the proposals would ensure the mill complex and the mill itself are maintained.

“The economic, social and environmental advantages of the change of use regeneration will provide added benefits over and above the creation of new development and floorspace," it said Legrams Mill was built in 1873 for loom manufacturer George Hodgson.