OLD mill buildings in Bradford could be turned into more than 100 "luxury" apartments if plans are given the go ahead.

An application has been lodged to transform Garden Mills and Junction Mills, which stand on Thornton Road and were once part of Bradford College, into 112 apartments.

Documents submitted with proposal say the plan will give a "new lease of life" to the old buildings, which are now surplus to requirements for the college.

"The concept is to raise the profile and standard of design to form luxury residential apartments that can be leased to both the public sectors and students that are eco-friendly, efficient and sustainable," says the application.

Garden Mills would be turned into 70 apartments, while Junction Mills would become 42 apartments.

The application describes the change of use as inevitable "as there are no other suitable use classes suitable for both these mill buildings".

It says if nothing is done, the buildings will fall further into a state of disrepair.

"The refurbishment will promote regeneration and promote employment.

"The continued dim economic climate is becoming challenging and together with the uncertainty of Brexit will affect the pace of redevelopment," the application says, adding that is "applaudable" for applicants Madison Investments and Bradford College "to make this commitment".

It says: "The 'for sale' signs have been on both Garden Mills and Junction Mills for at least a couple of years and little interest has been shown.

"This is mainly due to old Victorian buildings having awkward sizes and shapes. Therefore the change of use of Garden Mills and Junction Mills would not be viable to continue as commercial/office use."

In looking at the impact of the mills being turned into flats, the application says the development "will surely add vitality to the surrounding town centre use" and promote nightlife back into the area.

It says "hustle and bustle activities" will be brought back, assisting with a "social role", with the change of use meaning the buildings will be regenerated.