HOME DEVELOPERS have started work on a scheme to convert a disused mill - after first re-housing a family of badgers.
The badgers had dug a sett on land belonging to Upper Sunnybank Mills at Red Lane, Meltham.
Slaithwaite-based developer Park View Builders Ltd called in experts from Kirklees Badger Protection Group to help the badgers "move house" to a new sett on land nearby.
A watch was kept on the badgers to make sure they settled into their new surroundings.
Roger Fell, of Park View, said the company had spent about £20,000 to re-home the badgers - including the cost of administration and acquiring the land for the new sett.
He joked: "We have provided them with four-bedroom accommodation. They've been given everything except the central heating!"
Badger setts consists of several entrance holes and tunnels leading to underground sleeping chambers. Badger numbers have increased in recent years as greater efforts to protect them led to fewer setts being disturbed.
Work is now under way to demolish small outbuildings at Upper Sunnybank Mills before work to convert the three main mill buildings begins in the new year.
Once completed, the scheme will provide six cottages and 14 apartments.
Prices for the first phase of 11 dwellings range from £120,950 to £217,500.
Mr Fell said the dwellings would range from one bedroom to three bedrooms - but the layouts of rooms would be flexible depending on what buyers wanted.
Mr Fell said it was hoped to have a show flat ready by April.
He said: "It has taken us three years of hard work to get to this stage - re-housing the badgers and going through the planning process."
Mr Fell said the mill had been disused for two-and-a-half years.
Planning permission had been granted to redevelop the site, but approval had lapsed.
The mill dates back to the 19th century, but was last used by a company selling light fittings.
Mr Fell said it was hoped that the development would appeal to people wanting to live in a rural setting.
It stands on the fringes of Meltham and has views over the Peak District National Park.
Enquiries from prospective buyers are being handled by Halifax Estate Agents in Holmfirth.
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