Urban village scheme will create hundreds of jobs

AN £80m mixed-use development which could create more than 750 jobs is to go before planning officials.

If granted, the revised proposals would see apartments, offices and retail outlets open at the urban village near Halifax.

The development at the John Holdsworth factory at Shaw Lodge Mills is being proposed by developers Hanson Partners and Leeds-based St James Securities.

The scheme would see the restoration of the entire mill complex, which was recently listed as grade II*.

The original proposals for Shaw Lodge Mills, which involved the relocation of the Holdsworth business, were turned down by councillors last year on traffic grounds.

Consequently changes have been made to the scheme to make it 28% smaller than was originally proposed.

The developers believe this will translate into a corresponding reduction in the amount of traffic using the local highway network. Under the plans, a range of road widening and traffic calming measures have been proposed.

Oliver Quarmby, of St James Securities, said: “We believe the revised plans address the key concerns of councillors. Fewer housing units mean fewer cars and improved access to the site will ensure traffic congestion is kept to a minimum.

“We have been very keen to involve the Halifax public in our scheme, which is why we embarked on the public consultation process last year. The feedback we have had from the public has been very encouraging and we believe this new scheme is right for the town.”

A scale model of the scheme is on display at Halifax Town Hall.

The family firm of John Holdsworth has been manufacturing fabric for the transport industry at Shaw Lodge since the 19th century.

The plans will go before Calderdale councillors next Tuesday.