Crowther family reworks Marsden proposals
A variety of options for the redevelopment of the West Yorkshire village’s New Mills complex have been considered: the owner’s preferred option will now be put forward should councillors approve.
Sheppard Planning is advising the Crowther family on the project, which was previously looked at by Kirklees Council’s strategic planning committee in June 2024. The site is allocated for mixed-use development in the Local Plan.
Other options have been explored before, on the basis of the outlie plans contained in one, £5.6m of Levelling Up Fund support was offered by central government.
A revised version of the applicant’s preferred option moving forward will go before the committee on 23 October to test the waters – should the response be favourable, a hybrid planning application is likely to follow in November.
The reworked vision, drawn up with architect KPP, was presented to council officers in a pre-application discussion earlier this month.
Under these plans, the 3.7-acre site – almost of all of which is currently taken up by two tall mill buildings and a range of lower-scale structures – would accommodate:
- 20,454 sq ft of light industrial/workshop space
- 8,000 sq ft of office space
- 60 homes
- A 3,000 sq ft replacement Co-op store
- A café, a residents’ gym, and 5,000 sq ft of non-food retail or professional services office space
- 7,000 sq ft of ancillary space covering bin areas, cycle parking, and storage
- 132 car parking spaces.
There would be no footbridge over the River Colne.
No buildings in the complex are listed, but the applicant intends to retain the eastern mill and tower, and the northern part of the western mill, and its tower. Most of the buildings fronting Broughsm Road would also be kept. Other buildings would be demolished, the river bridge removed, and a section of the Colne de-culverted.
Retained mill buildings would be weather-proofed to enable future development.
Officers noted that “the site is currently under-used, and potentially offers great opportunities to deliver much-needed housing and employment floorspace at a large, accessible, brownfield location.
“The future of retained heritage assets could be secured as part of a development here. Development at the site may also play a role in addressing Marsden’s existing problems, and the vitality and viability of the adjacent district centre could be enhanced.”
Although the site is allocated for mixed-use development, the mix of that within the Local Plan is for more commercial and less residential than is proposed here, with 29 dwellings the suggested volume. However, Kirklees cannot demonstrate a five-year housing supply.
Kirklees Council must approve this much needed jobs, local services, employment, and housing this will give to workers and businesses in West Yorkshire. Would be good to see further solar panels and potentially a few batteries connected to the national grid too in the development, but that might be added as a planning requirement perhaps to mitigate and sooth any potential inflated over-worrying about this positive building work in Yorkshire.
The local community S106 and Community Infrastructure levy investments too will provide a lot of support and funding for community groups and charities working around Marsden too. Excellent.
By Tyke
I don’t think this is a good idea as a resident of marsden..what do they mean no footbridge over the river anymore? They are going to remove it? Doesn’t sound like something that will retain the beauty of the village and it’s buildings
By Anonymous
Would Brougham rd become a one way street ?
By Margaret A Kewley
One hopes that somethjng will be done, but the traffic problems (access and parking ) prior and during any planning can be done. The site is now an eyesore in the Village
By David Bruce Hall
These plans are much better for both keeping our heritage and moving on to providing what the village lacks.
By Elaine Byram
Any plans for improving traffic control on Brougham road ?
By Anonymous
Good to see some much needed movement on this project. The site is currently an eyesore in the centre of Marsden so it would be fantastic to see it back in use and bring some new energy into the village. Residents failing to lend support are just committing to watch these buildings decays over the next 20-30 years!
By Anonymous
I hope but doubt that the historical parts of the development are kept as much as possible in tact, the mills grew the village and without them Marsden wouldnt be what it is now. Lets hope the development is exiting but sympathetic to its heritage and the cancelling of the bridge is short sighted. The development of this site will probs be crucial for then moving to develop Bank Bottom mills eventually.
By Life long Marsdener
I hope that prior to work starting a full record of the site should be made film and artefacts to be kept for posterity and maybe a small museum or gallary made for some of the old items to be on show to the local residents.
By Local