PLANS for a major new flats and housing development in Haworth were put on public display in the village this week.

The Skipton Properties proposals for 123 houses and flats for the Bridgehouse Mill site – which are not yet subject to a formal planning application – were available to view in the Old School Room at Haworth on Monday.

The developer wants to convert the mill into 46 one and two-bedroom retirement flats, and build 77 two, three and four-bedroom houses, on land to the side of, and behind, the mill.

The scheme would also involve an extension to the Airedale Springs business and a new, purpose-built building for the firm Wydean Weaving, on the same site.

Richard Merrills, of Watson Batty Architects, said: "We are trying to re-allocate existing employment on the same land, and have found a way of keeping this employment here.

"The planning application should go in just before Christmas or early in the New Year.

"We've had a mixture of views, both positive and negative, which is natural as this scheme is in a very prominent position."

He acknowledged there were challenges related to the site, including flooding in 2004, but pointed out that since then, a two-metre high landscaped bank has been put in place to stop this happening again.

Mr Merrills added that if the plans gain approval, a flow restrictor will be installed in Bridgehouse Beck.

Also commenting during the exhibition on Monday, planning agent, Jo Steel, said: "People do need to be satisfied the development will not flood or cause flooding. Therefore, we have commissioned a flood risk assessment, which has been accepted by the Environment Agency.

"Issues have also been raised about traffic, so the application will be supported by a transport assessment."

He emphasised that as the mill is a Grade II listed property, there would need to be a separate listed building application backed by a heritage statement.

The scheme would involve dismantling and rebuilding the archway on the northern facade of the mill. Skipton Properties has said this structure is unsafe, adding the arch's height needs to be increased to accommodate large vehicles.

This and other aspects of the plans have provoked a concerned response from members of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council.

Councillors have expressed fears about the potential impact on Haworth's heritage, the risk of flooding and increased traffic on local roads.

People unable to see the plans on Monday night can visit Skipton Properties' blog at skiptonproperties.com/blog/bridge-house-mills-mixed-use-regeneration for details.