PLANS to build a retirement complex on a derelict site in Cleckheaton are being recommended for approval.

The Albion Works and Northgate Mills site in Serpentine Road had been earmarked for a supermarket.

It was previously owned by Tesco, and the firm had permission to extend its existing store on to the neighbouring land.

But after the supermarket giant abandoned its rebuild scheme in 2013, developer McCarthy and Stone acquired the site and submitted its plans for the site to Kirklees Council earlier this year.

The scheme is a joint venture between McCarthy and Stone, care home operator Darrington Health Care and Leeds Federated Housing Association. It includes a mix of residential accommodation including 43 retirement living apartments, an 83-bed care home facility, and seven affordable townhouses.

There has been one objection to the scheme and a total of 13 letters of support.

The objector is concerned about high walls around the site which are near a number of homes on George Street and Whitcliffe Road, which currently block light into these properties. But the Council confirmed that these walls would be lowered as part of the development.

Supporters are in favour of the “eyesore” site being developed, praising the “sensible and effective” use of brownfield land.

In a report to tomorrow’s strategic planning committee, planning officers state: “When read together it is considered that whilst the three different elements of the scheme have a different design and appearance, in terms of scale and massing, they would complement each other and would make a contribution to this part of Cleckheaton.”

The mill buildings on the site were demolished in 2013.

Steve Secker, of McCarthy and Stone, said: “Our proposals will turn a derelict site, in a prominent position in Cleckheaton, into specialist retirement living accommodation, and a care home with professionally landscaped gardens and affordable housing for families with lawns to the front and rear.

“With nearby public transport links and easy access to local shopping, these plans represent a great opportunity to boost the economy in the area and will give people the chance to downsize, freeing up larger homes.”