Talks begin on £60m homes, business and retail proposals in Hipperhome

Crosslee was a major employer at its Hipperholme site, once employing more than 600 people making tumble driers, but closing last year after announcing in 2019 that production was to end.

The virtual consultation can be accessed online at crossleeconsultation.co.uk which includes an outline of the plans, images and a feedback form through which people can voice their opinions of the proposals, which have been subject to “masterplanning” producing detailed proposals for the site.

The old factory buildings are now fully demolished and Crosslee say they want to create “a vibrant new community to regenerate the land.”

The 24,200 square metre brownfield site could be home to, among other things, a McCarthy and Stone retirement village and retail space including a supermarket.

Site owners Crosslee says investment in the site – which was discussed at the most recent stage of hearings into Calderdale Council’s draft Local Plan – is forecast be more than £60 million with around 106 high-quality new homes, employment and commercial space, a “leading European supermarket”, a care home and a McCarthy and Stone retirement village, which would include 58 apartments and 24 bungalows.

Crosslee wants to know what the community things about the proposals, beginning the consultation.

Site owners Crosslee are inviting feedback on the plans from the local community. which it says will be analysed before a planning application is put into the council.

A spokesperson for the company said business units will be ideal for start-ups and growing local businesses and anticipates work on the care home and retirement village could see around 100 jobs created on site.

“It is envisaged that the mix of uses planned for this brownfield site, will help to breathe new life into the Hipperholme village centre, adding value to the local economy via the independent small business sector.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to visit the website and provide their comments on the plans,” said the spokesperson.

As well as the online presentation information leaflets are also being distributed to local homes which outline the plans and include a feedback form which can be returned via FREEPOST, says Crosslee.

Among concerns aired at the Local Plan hearings were infrastructure matters which might impact on services and roads.

The company says as part of a planning permission which might be granted funds to upgrade and mitigate pressures will be available.