A VILLAGE eyesore is due to be demolished to make way for homes.

Highburton company Melwood Ltd has asked Kirklees Council for permission to knock down most of the former Longfield Dyeworks in Linthwaite.

The mill was in use from 1877 until it closed in 2003.

Since then, the site has become run-down and vandalised, becoming a blot on the local landscape.

Melwood wants to demolish the buildings which front on to Manchester Road and put up 10 new houses with garages.

The company also plans to convert buildings in the south-west corner of the site to form six more homes.

Clr David Ridgway, who represents Linthwaite on Kirklees Council, has mixed feelings about the plan.

The Colne Valley Lib Dem said yesterday: “I’m not happy about the further loss of industrial land in the valley but I would rather see it as housing than as a derelict site.”

Clr Ridgway added that the dyeworks had been frequently vandalised since it closed eight years ago.

“The local residents will tell you there have been problems with vandals getting in,” he added.

“There’s also been a lot of graffiti, particularly over the last six to 12 months.

“The site is an absolute mess.”

Kirklees planners are due to rule on the proposal by November 7.

The development would include moving the mill pond, which is currently next to Manchester Road.

Jeremy Child of Old Leeds Road-based Acumen Designers and Architects explained the proposal.

“The mill pond is integral with the derelict buildings and it’s right up against the road,” he said.

“This makes it hard to redevelop the site.

“It makes sense to create a shallower pond which will attract more wildlife and to place it 20ft from the current site.

“It will be adjacent to a public right of way, making it more easily seen by people walking in the area.”

The new pond would be the same size as the current pond.