Pilates studio could open in historic mill

A Pilates studio could open in Salts Mill, the centrepiece of the Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage Site, if plans are approved.

The proposal would see a vacant space in the mill complex converted into a 2,561 sq ft (238 sq m) Pilates studio.

Now a popular tourist attraction, the building was originally opened in 1853 as a textile mill by Sit Titus Salt.

The entire village of Saltaire was built around the mill, providing workers with housing, a public park, schools and places of worship.

The Grade II listed building is home to a variety of businesses, including shops selling books, art and furniture as well as a café, restaurant and office space.

It is best known as being home to several of David Hockney's paintings and houses the Peace Museum.

Under the plans, from Heckmondwike based Mileta Sports LTD, a currently empty office and former dance studio would become a Pilates studio, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

According to the planning application, the proposed development would have a "negligible impact upon the significance of the heritage asset".

"The proposal delivers a number of public benefits including reoccupation of a vacant commercial unit, investment in the maintenance and ongoing use of the building, creation of a health and wellbeing facility, increased visitor activity within Salts Mill and support for the continued viable use of the heritage asset," it said.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by Bradford Council in August.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.