ANGRY traders and councillors say a proposed conversion of an historic mill building in Baildon will “kill” the centre of the town.

A small business centre currently occupies Baildon Mills but re-submitted proposals for the site in Northgate, Baildon, prompted a number of objections from many of the 60 on-site firms and also residents worried about increased traffic and a loss of trade for local shops.

KMRE Group, working with mill owners John Peel and Son, want to transform the site into 42 residential units made up of nine one-bed flats, 27 two-bed flats and six three-bed flats.

The group held a two-day consultation at the grade II listed mills building, on Wednesday and tonight, to gauge public opinion on the proposals, which have been submitted to Bradford Council.

Jacquay Liversedge, managing director of Super Sew Imports, located at the mill for the last nine years, opposes the current plans.

She said: “It would kill the middle of the town.

“Baildon is choc-a-bloc with houses. The schools and doctors are full.

“Young people who live in these flats would not work here, they would commute elsewhere.

“I run a thriving business here. I don’t want to have to find anywhere else to move to. This was a thriving business community, but it is not anymore.

“Anybody who lives in Baildon will know what the transport is like here in the mornings and evenings.”

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Cllr John Turner, a member of Baildon Town Council’s economic committee, has called for a mixture of residential and business units at the proposed site, rather than only homes.

He said: “Baildon Town Council’s suggestion would be a mixture of units; residential and business.

“I think having ten businesses and 31 flats would satisfy people and the council, then we would still have businesses here.

“We want to keep a business presence in the heart of Baildon. We want to maintain a viable business situation with Baildon itself.

“We don’t want businesses that are already here leaving Baildon.”

Kam Mogal, managing director of the KMRE Group, said the building was only half full and the properties would appeal to young professionals and residents who already live in Baildon who wish to downsize.

He said: “There is a strong pressure on housing in Baildon, a big demand for it.

“We are going to retain virtually the whole thing.

“As regards traffic concerns, a lot of people who take on the flats might not have cars.

“Many of the units at the mill are not in use. It is not full. This development will bring them into full use.

“Younger people will want to stay here.”