A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a retirement complex will go back in front of planners next week.

Conroy Brook wants to set up 46 apartments for people aged over 55 at Prickleden Mills in Holmfirth.

Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee had been due to rule on the proposal for the 1.27-hectare site on Woodhead Road last month.

But a decision was delayed for a month after two of the three councillors for the area asked for a deferment.

Holme Valley South Conservatives Clr Ken Sims and Clr Nigel Patrick asked the sub-committee to hold off on making a ruling because they were unable to attend the July 12 meeting.

Car salesman Clr Sims and dairy farmer Clr Patrick were both in Harrogate that week for the Great Yorkshire Show.

The huge annual event was rained off but both councillors were still unable to attend the sub-committee as they were helping remove exhibition stands from the site.

Conroy Brook’s plan for Prickleden Mills involves demolishing two vacant single-storey workshops and building five apartment blocks.

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 proposal has divided opinion in Holmfirth.

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.

Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee will decide if the proposal can go ahead at its monthly meeting which takes place at Huddersfield Town Hall from 1pm on Thursday.