First look at how Beech Hill Estate could look without its tower blocks

The multi-million pound scheme is being led by the Together Housing Group and Calderdale Council to transform the area and create hundreds of houses.

Outline plans for the development have now been submitted to begin phase one of the development.

Although the plans are at an early stage an indicative layout shows that the site could accommodate up to 141 dwellings with vehicle access from Pellon Lane via Richmond Road.

In the plans submitted by the Together Housing Group, they say: “Our purpose is to provide a high-quality living environment, sympathetic to its surroundings and landscape, and reflective of the distinctive character of the area.

“By drawing inspiration from the indigenous character of Halifax and West Yorkshire, we aim to integrate into the built environment, and contribute positively to the existing community at Beech Hill.

“The addition of new residential dwellings will help restore a sense of place across the site,from the uninviting and visually unpleasant tower blocks and depot site, into a dynamic and inviting area that forms part of a revitalised wider community at Beech Hill.”

Phase One of the scheme will allow land to become available to build the new houses with the majority of those being proposed to become affordable homes.

There is also the potential to use material from the tower block demolitions to make up levels across the depot site and this will have an impact to any options considered for the overall remediation.

Councillor Daniel Sutherland, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Environment, said: “We want to do all we can to improve the quality of life for local residents. After our successful bid for over £300,000 from the Government’s Estate Regeneration Fund in 2017, we’re pleased to be moving forward the first phase of improvement works at Beech Hill.

“We are working with Together Housing to prepare plans for housing development on the empty tower block site and at the Council’s highways depot.”

Together Housing Group (THG) own the three derelict tower blocks at Beech Hill.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority approved an additional £1m of funding on top of £4m already secured by THG to start the first phase of work.

George Paterson, director of Property Services at THG, said: “Regeneration in Calderdale is a priority for Together Housing as we recognise the need to provide quality, affordable homes that people can be proud to live in, which is why we’re delighted to be working with the Council to achieve this.”

The regeneration of Beech Hill will take place in phases as further funding needs to be secured. The Council say that its partners are committed to bringing a range of development opportunities forward, including options for the existing low-rise housing.