Bradford's historic Lister Mills to be fitted with solar panels

The mill complex was once home to the world's biggest silk factory

Plans for solar panels to be installed on one of Bradford's best-known historic buildings have been approved.

The plans to fit panels to a section of Lister Mills, fronting Heaton Road, were revealed in November.

Conservation officers backed the scheme, with the applicant saying the panels would reduce energy bills for businesses at the site.

Lister Mills, also known as Manningham Mills, is one of the largest surviving mills in West Yorkshire.

Approving the scheme, officials said the site was "a key historic landmark" within the North Park Road conservation area.

"While the scope of works would be notable, the pitch of the existing mill roof and materials would not be altered," they added.

A report said the proposal "gives a huge opportunity" to generate renewable energy and to decrease the building's carbon footprint.

It also acknowledged the scheme would not impact or harm "the significance, appearance, and architectural character of the listed building", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

• The mill was built in 1873 by Samuel Cunliffe Lister - one of the city's most successful industrialists

• It was reputed to be the largest silk factory in the world

• At its height, the mill employed more than 10,000 men, women and children