A PLAN to turn a historic mill into flats is aimed at people wanting to move into smaller homes.

The scheme for Cellars Clough Mills near Marsden is targeted at people wanting to downsize rather than families and first-time buyers.

Detailed plans of the development off Manchester Road have just been unveiled.

The complex is to include a swimming pool and gym, a shop and launderette and landscaped gardens.

Kirklees Council planning officials have now received new plans to convert the mills into 114 flats.

Oldham-based company Smith Developments, which is behind the scheme, originally submitted a proposal to build 168 flats last year.

But it was withdrawn in December after planning officers raised issues about the number of flats, access, landscaping and the ‘new build’ aspect.

In the new application the number of flats has been reduced, as has the number of parking spaces. The mill, which is close to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the River Colne, shut down in 1982.

Once it was one of the biggest mill complexes in the Colne Valley.

It was originally used for cotton, but switched to wool textiles when it was taken over by Fisher, Firth and Co back in 1888.

At its busiest the five-storey mill employed 180 people.

Smith Developments want to convert mills one, two, three and four into flats, which will be a mix of sizes.

The firm also wants to convert the former offices into four homes, each with a private garden.

The other buildings that stand around the main mill structures are to be demolished.

Car parking will be provided on the main site to the north of the River Colne.

The flats are tailored towards more mature people, as indicated in the planning application.

This states: “The intention is to provide accommodation for people who wish to downsize to an attractive setting following the sale of their larger family home, rather than attracting families or first-time buyers.

“The range of accommodation has been designed to suit this market.”

The application also says that the old exterior of the mill buildings will be retained where possible.

It says: “The exterior of the mill buildings will be repaired and renovated and new windows and doors will be inserted.

“The intention is to minimise alterations to the existing buildings, in view of the strength of their character.”

The development also aims to have a positive impact on the area, which is described as semi-derelict.

The application goes on: “The proposals will significantly improve and enhance the appearance of the area and provide a building development that respects the heritage of the site.

“The extensive hard and soft landscaping, together with a full woodland and management scheme, will ensure that the site is enhanced in the best possible way within its wider landscape setting.

“This is especially important as a number of footpaths cross the site and it can be seen by passengers using the railway line to the north.

“The design concept is based on the need to provide a range of high-quality apartments while respecting the character and heritage value of the existing buildings and the site and significantly improving its appearance.”

Public consultation on the planned development ends on Wednesday, October 31.

After that a decision will be made by the council’s planning committee.