OBJECTORS have lost their battle to stop a hillside mill being turned into flats.

Lanson Developments was twice refused detailed planning permission to convert Oats Royd Mill, at Luddenden, because of the narrow access roads.

But following an inquiry, planning inspector Victor Crumley has upheld an appeal to create 40 apartments, including four affordable units.

Luddenden Conservation Society and Calder Valley Labour MP Chris McCafferty had opposed the conversion plan.

In his report, Mr Crumley said there was no dispute over the reuse of the five-storey mill, even though it stands in the green belt.

“The road to the mill, including Luddenden Lane is narrow throughout, contains several pinch points and a number of areas where parking reduces the effective width to that of a single vehicle.

“The road network has severe limitations and I have sympathy with the concerns of residents but it is clear from surveys that for much of the day traffic levels and speeds are very low.

“In my view, the anticipated traffic increase, though likely to be noticeable to road users familiar with the existing patterns, would be well within the capacity of the local road network and would make little practical difference to its operation.”

Mr Crumley said it would amount to about one extra vehicle every three minutes during peak periods.

He also rejected claims that the planned car park would affect the openness of the green belt but decided that the location of 11 parking spaces should be altered.

Lanson intends to create 19 single and 21 double bedroomed flats in the mill which was built in 1847 by John Murgatroyd.

At its peak, it employed 2,000 people. It closed in 1982.

michael.peel@halifaxcourier.co.uk