Bradford Council’s deputy leader has said the authority is committed to finding a “positive and sustainable resolution” for Dalton Mills - amid a councillor’s calls for urgent action to save the “eyesore” site.
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.
Deputy council leader comments
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.
Dalton Mills has been repeatedly hit by arsonists in recent years (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)
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.”
Motion to be presented
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 Dalton Mills to be saved as soon as possible.
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.
Fly-tipping outside Dalton Mills (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)
“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.”
MP raises fresh concerns
Meanwhile, Keighley and Ilkley Conservative MP Robbie Moore has repeated his calls for Reform-led Bradford Council to “robustly secure” the site.
He said: “I will not let this issue drop until we get a solution.
“Bradford Council has the power act and must urgently do so.
“The status quo cannot continue.
“Residents have now endured repeated fires, including five major fires, watched constant vandalism of the site, and been exposed to prolonged uncertainty, all while living beside a derelict and dangerous building.
“It has been deeply worrying, stressful and frightening for all involved.
“I am getting incredibly frustrated at Bradford Council’s inability to utilise statutory powers at their disposal to robustly secure the site.
“I cannot stress just how important this issue is in the immediate instance to mitigate any risk of future fires, injuries and, of course, impact on neighbouring properties.
“I will not stop pushing.”
In response to those concerns, Cllr Judson said: “We fully recognise the impact that the repeated fires at the site have had on local people and those living nearby.
“We are particularly mindful of the anxiety caused to residents who feared for their homes and personal safety.
“I would also like to place on record our thanks to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the other emergency services involved in responding to this recent incident (the fire in September).
“We continue to work with relevant partners to explore all available options.
“In relation to site security, officers have been working with appropriate agencies and stakeholders to consider measures that can help reduce risks associated with the site and improve public safety.
“We welcome the opportunity to hear directly from those involved, to discuss the issues openly, and to continue working collaboratively with all interested parties in seeking a viable way forward for the site.”