PLANS for expansion at a popular mill site in the area have been given the green light by planning officers.

The major work will take place at the growing Springfield Mill site in Farsley, offering more business space for companies at the site.

The plans will see four new industrial units and additional car parking spaces created at the site, after Leeds City Council gave the application its approval.

The units are set to be built on an area of the site previously used as a storage area for caravans, and an area previously granted planning permission for development.

In the plan’s design and access statement, it said the mill has contributed to the “vibrancy” of the local area.

It said: “The site is located within a varied settlement where residential, educational and commercial uses co-exists.

“This range of building types and uses emphasises the vibrancy and sense of community within the area.

“Good communication links both in terms of road networks and bus routes have encourage new development within the immediate area.

“Commercial office and light industrial uses have been encouraged in the Farsley, Rodley and Pudsey areas which contribute to the wider community in terms of providing local facilities and employment and consequently reduce the need for car ownership.

“The layout demonstrates a high quality design that relates well to the site setting and creates a good quality development.

“The proposal are considered appropriate and complimentary to the surrounds and therefore in accordance with the requirements of the environment and building design.”

The units are set to be around six metres in height and fully accessible for people with disabilities, providing almost 10,000 additional sq ft of space at the site.

Leeds City Council said the development would be an appropriate use of the site and would not negatively impact on the area or nearby residents.

It said: “This proposal was clearly in accordance with the Development Plan and so permission could be granted without any further discussion.approved the application.”

The historic former textiles mill has been refurbished in recent years into a thriving business centre home to many local companies.

It currently has 115,000 sq ft of space across six acres of land, which is set to get even bigger with the new expansion.

The almost 50 businesses currently based at Springfield Mills include a cafe, gym, clothing and retail shops, a yoga studio, beauty spa and more currently call the site home.

Springfield Mills has been told it must begin the work within three years, and it must install electric vehicle charging points in the new car park and submit a range of other details to the Council for approval.