ANOTHER mill could be demolished to make way for luxury flats.

Prickleden Mill near Holmfirth has been earmarked by local developer Conroy Brook for a 46-unit retirement complex.

The mill, south of the famous Holme Valley town off Woodhead Road, has been empty for some time and developers have deemed it unsuitable for industrial use due to its narrow access road.

Conroy Brook held a public consultation with residents last year and its proposal has now been lodged with planners at Kirklees Council.

The Brockholes-based developer plans to completely clear the site by the River Holme and replace it with 46 one and two bedroom apartments for the over 55s.

The complex would comprise five blocks built from natural stone.

One block, next to the former mill dam, would be four stories high while the others would be three stories or lower.

A new access road to the development is proposed from Lower Mill Lane and the developers also plan to demolish the bridge over the river and replace it with a new one.

Landscaped gardens will be created around the mill pond with decking for residents to enjoy views towards Holme Moss.

A spokesman for Conroy Brook said: “We believe that we can build a fantastic complex on the Prickleden Mills site with a community of new residents.

“Being within walking distance of Holmfirth town centre, we also hope that our development will help to increase revenue to local businesses.”

A proposal to create a public footpath by the river has also been put forward by Holmfirth Civic Society.

The path would extend the riverside walk, that currently snakes from Digley down into Holmfirth.

Member, Brian Hinchliffe, said it was a shame the mill had to go but they recognised it was in such a derelict state that it was not suitable for restoration.

He said: “I would be very disappointed if they filled the dam in but the mill is a bit dilapidated.

“We’re hoping that we will get access to the riverside to join up it up with access we got at the Younger Homes development at Victoria.

“It’s something we’ve been working on for six or seven years ever since the riverside way opened.

“There aren’t many mills left in the area now and it’s in our interests to protect our heritage wherever possible, but a lot of them have become too derelict to be worth saving.

“We want to get that footpath through and if the mill has to be demolished then so be it.”