REDEVELOPMENT of a controversial site will not progress unless the council starts cooperating, says a community group.
Clr Paul Rogan of partnership Brighouse Forward says Calderdale Council has neither been cooperative nor clear over its visions for Sugden Mills.
The council suffered a hammer blow when a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the land, owned by Younger Homes, of Brighouse, was turned down by planning inspector Stephen Amos.
Since, Clr Rogan says the council had been unwilling to meet and discuss progress with other community groups at a Brighouse Forward meeting on January 31.
The Rastrick councillor adds the council have remained quiet over £6 million plans for a new swimming pool – which had been part of the Sugden Mill proposals.
Clr Rogan said: “I think there’s an element of sour grapes but we’ve got to be big and grown up about it.
“Plans for Sugden’s could spell a massive enhancement for the town centre but you can’t put anything forward if someone isn’t prepared to come to the party.
“The council is considering four sites for a swimming pool but they’re not saying where.
“There are good ideas but it feels as if we’re setting ourselves up to be knocked down.
“The council needs to be more cooperative. We need to get things moving and we need information. The council regeneration team need to sit in conference with community groups and landowners for an agreed plan.
“Younger Homes have been more than cooperative and more than willing to show their plans.
“The refusal to grant the CPO should be a wake-up call but one of the parties isn’t hearing the alarm clock.”
A Calderdale Council spokesperson said: “Calderdale Council remains committed to the regeneration of Brighouse and is happy to speak to any developer who may wish to bring forward ideas for this site and is currently looking at a number of options.”
