Huddersfield
Cocking Steps Mill is a listed building located in attractive Green Belt between Honley and Netherton near Huddersfield. The proposal entailed the conversion of the stone mill to homes and then providing family housing to replace more modern outbuildings within the mill complex. The main planning issues were the loss of employment land; the impact of development in the Green Belt; and the implications of development on the character and appearance of the listed building.
We were able to demonstrate that the use of the site for homes would not undermine the supply of employment land, and in terms of the Green Belt issue, the positive impact of development on the character of the listed building and the fact the site had been substantially developed, amounted to very special circumstances to justify development.
We have extensive experience of dealing with development proposals which affect heritage assets such as listed buildings and Conservation Areas. In the past we have advised the National Trust (East Midlands Region) on various development proposals and plans. We also have considerable experience of development in the Green Belt including housing, pub development, care homes and employment uses.
