WORK on what is thought to be the world's oldest worsted spinning mill could start later this month after residents lost their battle to stop it being turned into a wool scouring plant.

The Department of the Environment has decided not to call in the plan for Low Mill in Addingham, despite asking for more time to consider the application by Straume UK.

The company had already got permission to use the building as the scouring plant, but needed the formal go-ahead of the Environment Secretary John Prescott to make changes to the mill because it was in a protected area.

Residents opposed the plan because of worries about pollution of the nearby River Wharfe and possible noise generated from the process.

They were also concerned that the existing road network could not cope with lorries coming to and from the site.

Managing director Sven Straume said he had always expected the plan to be approved despite protests that delayed it for months.

He added that any work taking place on the mill building and the future operation would be closely monitored by officials from the Environment Agency to avoid pollution.

And he would take account of the people living around the 100,000 square foot mill complex.

The new plant will create 40 jobs in the area and also save the threat of building on the green belt to satisfy a need for an employment site in the area.

Pat Jackson, of the Low Mill Residents' Association, commented: "I think I can say I am disappointed but not surprised. That's it really, there is nothing else to say."

* Low Mill was previously owned by luggage manufacturer Peter Black Holdings, and has been empty for five years.

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