MORE plans have been submitted to turn a well-known Marsden mill into apartments.

Richmond Plc want planning permission for Cellars Clough, a collection of three mills which runs alongside Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

It’s not the first time plans for residential use for the former woollen mill have been submitted.

Developers secured permission in 2007, but work never got under way.

Richmond Plc admit Marsden residents will be “sceptical” about a new application but say they want to make converting the mill a reality.

Richmond Plc, based in Todmorden, Calderdale, says in a report: “At present it is clear that many people in Marsden are sceptical as to whether this project will become reality.

“This is because of the grand scale of the proposal and the huge financial implications.

“If our scheme obtains planning permission, Richmond Plc could become the first developer to construct and deliver the scheme.

“This will have an extremely positive effect on Marsden as well as the local area as it will show that this idea is coming into fruition which will give confidence to other regeneration projects.”

The planning application shows they want to make alterations to the existing vacant mills and build an extension to form 133 apartments, with parking for 190 cars.

The mills will consist of one and two-bedroom apartments with some two-bedroom penthouses.

The 19th century mill is part of a 10.6 hectares site off Manchester Road which Richmond Plc wants to regenerate.

Samuel Firth opened the mill in 1888 and by the 1960s it was run by Fisher, Firth and Co when it became Cellars Clough Woollen Mills.

At its height it employed 180 people but the mill shut down in 1982.

Situated just off the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the mill’s pond is now a popular fishing spot.

Richmond Plc’s application is not the first for the mill – Oldham-based company Smith Developments submitted planning applications in 2006 and 2007 for the mill.

The latter application for 101 apartments, a swimming pool and gym was approved in 2008 by Kirklees councillors, but work never got started.

In the meantime the mill has become a target for vandals,

Richmond Plc add: “When this scheme is delivered it will provide significant financial benefit to the local economy and will be a political triumph to all the local politicians who have backed the scheme.”

The plans are open to public consultation before February 16.