by Hannah Baker T&A Reporter Campaigners have given a cautious welcome to plans for a new retail development and fast-food outlet on a derelict brownfield site near Bradford.

Elland-based building company Marshall CDP has revealed proposals for a Wickes DIY store and a KFC at Baildon Holmes Mills, near Otley Road, Baildon.

The site was home to British Mohair Spinners for more than 240 years, until the company moved its operations abroad in 2004.

A large part of the mill has since been demolished and permission was granted in 2008 to Mandale Construction for 78 apartments in what remained of the building, as well as eight work units.

Ian Lyons, planning spokesman for Baildon Residents Against Inappropriate Development, said the scheme could help improve the area for residents living in nearby Lower Holme, two rows of terraced houses, built to house workers at the mill.

Lower Holme is next to an unadopted road, which, along with the unused land, has become a blight on the landscape, Mr Lyons said.

He added: “My opinion is the area is badly in need of tidying up, and infrastructure improvements. As long as the development comes with section 106 benefits for Lower Holme, or Baildon Bridge junction, it can only be a good thing.”

Margaret Wright, who has lived in Lower Holme for 30 years, said any plans must consider residents living nearby said: “It has to be sympathetic to the residents in terms of noise, vehicles and opening hours. We had hardly any noise from the mill, it was a fantastic community.”

Councillor Debbie Davies (Con, Baildon) said a constituent had contacted her with concerns about increased traffic along Otley Road if the proposals were given a green light.

She said: “If we have got wasteland and businesses want to come to the area that’s good but traffic and infrastructure needs to be carefully considered.”

Tony Lupton, managing director of Beckwith Design Associates, the architect for the proposed retail development, said: “Jobs will be created in the restaurant and the new retail unit.”