Plans submitted to transform historic Leeds mill complex into new garden village

Plans have been submitted to transform a historic mill complex in West Leeds into a new ‘garden village’ scheme.

The proposed garden village comprises 126 new and converted homes on the long-vacant site.

Rushbond, the property development company, has brought forward the plans which would see the transformed Mills complex be at heart of the development.

Stonebridge Mills is one of a small number of mill complexes in Leeds that remain ‘at risk’. Parts of the Mills date back to 1805 and the buildings have now been empty for more than 20 years.

The plans comprise public spaces, including a new public park running along the Wortley Beck, a heritage garden zone alongside the Mills and gardens for the proposed new build properties.

The scheme would see an array of historic buildings being transformed into 28 character homes, alongside 98 new contemporary-designed homes, providing a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses for sale.

Richard Baker from Rushbond said: “Stonebridge Mills is steeped in history and once played an active and vibrant role in the local community.

“It is sad that the site has been unused for so many years, but many of the key features of the original Mills remain and it has huge potential to be given that vibrancy again, this time as a place to live.

Richard added: “Our experience in developing new homes in Wortley demonstrates that there is a huge pent up demand for high quality realistically priced design-led homes on characterful sites.

“By bringing that experience to bear at Stonebridge Mills we hope to be able to deliver, subject to the satisfactory outcome of our recently submitted planning application, a great selection of family homes, including starter homes, surrounded by new greenspace, breathing new life into a local landmark.”