A DEVELOPER is hoping to fund the regeneration of two old mills from the sale of land to a supermarket.
Binks Developments has submitted plans for a supermarket, petrol station and 181 apartments at Blakeridge Mills, a 10-acre site close to Batley town centre.
The company needs at least £12m to turn the derelict mills into apartments but does not have all the money.
It is proposing to sell the land with planning permission for a supermarket.
The food store would be located on vacant land to the south west of the mill buildings, near the junction of Mayman Lane and Blakeridge Lane.
Binks Developments has already completed 80 apartments on the same site but the downturn in the housing market has stalled further investment.
If the latest scheme gets the go-ahead, the site will eventually be home to around 500 people.
The scheme also includes plans for a private swimming pool and gym for future residents.
Company managing director Richard Binks says the scheme will bring more residents into the heart of Batley as well as create more jobs, both in construction and in the proposed supermarket.
“We are a family firm who are desperately keen to make this development happen,” he said.
“We live and breathe this site. This application is giving Batley a chance to be the jewel in the crown of north Kirklees.
“Batley has fantastic road and rail connections and one of the finest market squares in Yorkshire.
“We have already converted four of the smaller buildings facing Blakeridge Lane into apartments and we know from our current 120 residents that once they arrive they do not want to leave.”
Consultation on the proposals ends on Monday.
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