Go-ahead for storytelling wall windows and plaque near Halifax's Dean Clough Mills
It's part of a series of arts and culture projects proposed to celebrate the town's history.
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
Planners have given the go-ahead for council proposals to install some windows and a storytelling plaque on a wall overlooking Halifax’s historic Dean Clough complex.
Dean Clough Mills was once home to John Crossley and Sons, referenced by archivists to be the largest carpet manufacturer in the world at its 19th century peak.
It is now a thriving home to a range of businesses and also houses a theatre.
As part of a package of arts and culture proposals being delivered across north and west Halifax associated with the Halifax Streets for People scheme, Calderdale Council wants to open up a new window onto the complex.
Windows can now be installed into the parapet wall which runs along its boundary at Lee Bridge a plaque outlining the mill complex’s story placed there.
No letters of objection over the proposals had been received.
Council heritage officers noted associated Grade II listed buildings subject of this application are the separately listed A, D, E and F mills at Dean Clough – the parapet wall is in their curtilage.
But, they concluded, “the loss of historic fabric will be limited, affecting only two small areas and as such the harm to the significance of the listed buildings as a result of this loss will be negligible…
“The proposed addition of window openings and an information plaque will represent a high quality addition to the public realm, providing new focal point in the space and enhancing both the visibility of and understanding of the significance of the mill site.
“The proposals are not considered to result in any harm to the significance of the listed buildings at Dean Clough, representing an enhancement.”
A supporting statement from agents Jacobs said the information plaque will be mounted to the window sill and provide a laser-etched narrative and imagery about the history of the Dean Clough mills, if the application is approved.
The design will take on board council conservation officers’ concerns about the need for toughened glass with an anti-graffiti coating for the panes, according to the application.
The retaining wall itself is approximately 275 metres long, built from from Yorkstone and supports both the Lee Bridge and Dean Clough Road.
The notion of windows is not a new one, according to the application.
It says: “Portions of the wall incorporate remnants of historic mill buildings and evidence of openings that have historically been infilled.”