Calls for more to be done about Dalton Mills
Bradford Council said they are "committed" to finding a “positive and sustainable resolution” for Dalton Mills
Bradford Council’s deputy leader has said the authority is committed to finding a “positive and sustainable resolution” for Dalton Mills.
The derelict mill complex in Keighley has been repeatedly hit by arsonists in recent years.
A major fire at the site in September saw a number of nearby residents forced to temporarily leave their homes.
It was the third blaze so far this year at the Grade II*-listed Victorian building, which was used as a filming location for hit TV shows Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.
Dalton Mills is effectively ownerless after it was given up to the Crown Estate when its previous owner went bankrupt. The Crown Estate is an independent property business whose profits go to the Treasury to be used for public spending.
The Crown Estate said it did attempt to sell Dalton Mills, but it faced issues due to the bankruptcy process.
The Crown Estate said it understood the sale was now “being progressed” by Bradford Council, without the Crown Estate’s involvement.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Bradford Council for an update on the sales process.
Councillor Andrew Judson, deputy leader of Bradford Council and executive member for regeneration, economy and planning, said: “The council shares the ambition of seeing a positive and sustainable resolution for Dalton Mills and remains committed to exploring options that may assist in achieving that outcome, while ensuring that any action taken is consistent with our statutory responsibilities and corporate obligations.
“Officers will continue to engage and explore ways forward with interested parties.”
Labour Councillor Caroline Firth, who represents Keighley East on Bradford Council, will present a motion at a meeting of the authority next week, calling for urgent action to save “eyesore” Dalton Mills.
She said “active steps are not being taken to progress its transfer to a new private ownership” and described the future of the building as being “in limbo”.
She added: “There is private sector interest in taking over ownership of Dalton Mills to carry out its restoration.
“Doing nothing is not an option to secure the building’s future.
“If steps are not taken it will eventually burn down entirely.
“The risk does not only lie in a future owner being unable to redevelop the site, but also in the current situation continuing until this unique heritage asset to Keighley and the district is lost forever.”