A FORMER mill in Bradford city centre will get a new lease of life after a developer was given approval to convert it into a block of almost 140 flats.

Narinder Sekhon's plans to remove the roof of Industry Mills on Sugden Street, build an extra two floors on the building and convert the property into 139 studio flats has now been approved.

Planners said the redevelopment would "allow efficient use of the building assisting its longer term viability."

Their report added: "It is considered that the proposed external alterations will be sympathetic to the character of this industrial building. Old materials and design will marry well with the modern contemporary elements to allow visible enhancement to the area and building itself."

The development will also mean a piece of land, which the application described as "rat infested", next to the mill is turned into a garden.

The mill is 500 metres from the University of Bradford Campus and is currently being used as small workshops and storage.