RESIDENTS are divided over a controversial proposal for a retirement complex.

Councillors will decide tomorrow if Conroy Brook can build 46 apartments for people aged over-55 at Prickleden Mills in Holmfirth.

The plan involves demolishing two vacant single-storey workshops at the Woodhead Road site.

Some 32 residents have written to Kirklees Council opposing the plan.

Their objections include:

The development would increase traffic on Lower Mill Lane.

The height of the development would mean residents would lose their view.

The building materials and design are not in keeping with a conservation area.

The proposal would increase parking problems in the area.

The development would lead to a loss of industrial buildings.

Sixteen people have written to the council backing the retirement village.

Their points include:

The development would bring good architecture and landscaping to an area which currently houses derelict buildings.

Accommodation for older people is needed in the area.

The proposal would develop a brownfield site and bring jobs and work for local businesses.

The development is in an ideal location close to shops and public transport links.

The site is an eyesore.

Conroy Brook wants to build five retirement apartment blocks at the site.

Block A would be four storeys high and include five one-bedroom apartments and seven two-bed flats. There would also be two guest bedrooms on the mezzanine floor.

Block B would include underground parking, eight two-bedroom apartments and a mezzanine-style flat.

There would also be underground parking at Block C, along with five two-bedroom apartments spread over three floors.

Block D would include a manager’s office as well as five one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom apartments.

Block E would include three one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom apartments.

The developer also wants to build a residents’ lounge next to the mill pond.

The bridge which links the site to Lower Mill Lane would be demolished and replaced with a new structure.

The development would have 62 parking spaces, including 46 at the site itself and 16 off Lower Mill Lane.

The council’s Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee was deciding on the proposal at a meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall from 1pm today.