A DEVELOPER has disputed the rarity of a Bradford chimney.

A scheme to redevelop Hollins Mill on Sunbridge Road was dealt a blow earlier this year when Bradford Council refused two planning applications for the site.

One application, to demolish a number of unused buildings on the site to create a landscaped garden area, was refused over concerns that a large brick chimney would also be lost.

The West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service advised the plans be refused due to the chimney being a “rarity in the district and county” due to its square base.

And planning officers agreed, refusing the plans saying they would lead to the “unjustified loss of a rare mill chimney detrimental to the heritage asset and wider area.”

The applicants, Miller Knight Developments, have now appealed that decision, meaning a government appointed planning inspector will look at the plans.

If that appeal is successful, the chimney could still be demolished.

Plan to knock down 'rare' chimney in Bradford heritage area blocked

The developers have also submitted a second planning application to demolish buildings on the site, but retain the chimney. The WYAAS have supported this revised plan and a decision on that application is due later this month.

The building, currently semi derelict, was built as a wool combing mill and the site is part of the Goitside Conservation Area on the edge of Bradford city centre.

The appeal disputes the claims by the Archaeological Service that the chimney on the site is a rarity, and says it is in a “poor state of repair” and not worth retaining.

The appeal adds: “The assumption that the chimney is a rare example can be disputed, there are a further two square, tapering chimneys within a half mile of the site, with other examples across the district.

“We feel that the chimney is not rare, with multiple similar examples located both in the immediate vicinity and many others in the wider district, as has been demonstrated above.

“Given that it serves no purpose within the existing site, and taking into account the current state of disrepair, retention will only see further decay.

“We are therefore appealing against the decision to refuse planning permission for the demolition of the buildings within the site, as the long term future of the wider complex will be secured with the demolition consent and the renovation of the mills which will retain the buildings which form an important boundary sitting along the ‘Goit’ which gives the area it’s identity.”

The appeal also points to Albion Mills in Idle as having a similar chimney, which is described as being in much better condition.

Bradford Council also recently refused an application to turn the actual Hollings Mill building, which was most recently used as office space, into 89 studio apartments.

Planning officers said the flats were lacking in facilities such as kitchen facilities, and “do not appear capable of facilitating independent habitation.”

A revised application, to create 59 flats that would include kitchen areas, was submitted shortly after the refusal, and a decision is due in April.