FEARS of possible land contamination have suddenly halted plans to turn a Baildon business centre at an historic mill into a housing complex.

And many tenants at Baildon Mills in Northgate, home to some 80 firms, have expressed relief that the proposed swap from business to residential use, has fallen at the first hurdle.

Bradford Council planners have refused new classification for buildings, including the Grade II listed four-storey mill, which are owned by John Peel and Son Ltd.

Concerns were raised that such a development would be out of keeping with the historic character of the site, but the main reason was fear of residual chemicals in the ground and mill pond which could prove harmful.

City Hall’s reason for refusal states that the application has not been made with evidence to show there is no risk, which prompted Environmental Health officers to recommend it be turned down.

“The assertion that ‘The history of this site does not present any indication that there are any contamination risks on this site’ is not supported by evidence and is made without assessment of the site history and consideration of potential contamination risk,” the decision states.

“Contamination may include volatile components such as hydrocarbon vapours.

“There is particular potential for contamination to be associated with the former mill pond which is in the boundary of the permitted development land zone.

“Fran Craven of knitting yarn importers Super Sew Ltd said staff at the family-run firm were very relieved.

“This is a lovely placed to work. It is good news as we need continuity.”

She said a mixed development of residential and business might be a solution.

Sara Mogford of PR firm Assembly Marketing added: “Everyone I’ve spoken to was against this and everyone is delighted by this decision which is the best possible outcome”

Baildon ward councillor Mike Pollard (Con) said:

“I’m entirely in favour of converting redundant mill premises into apartments, but I strongly resisted this ‘change of use’ scheme, which would have displaced scores of small businesses.”

The company can appeal or come back with a new, full planning application.