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Major Roof Repairs and Solar Panels Proposed for Halifax's Dean Clough

Tuesday, 20 October 2026 06:10

Plans have been submitted to Calderdale Council for roof repairs and a major solar panel installation at the historic Dean Clough complex in Halifax. The proposed scheme could generate renewable electricity while helping fund essential repairs to leaking roofs.

Historic Dean Clough Complex in Halifax Could Benefit from Major Roof Repairs and Solar Panels

Plans have been submitted to repair leaking roofs and install hundreds of kilowatts of solar power at Dean Clough, one of Halifax's best-known historic landmarks.

A planning application has been made to Calderdale Council seeking permission to carry out essential roof repairs at E Mill and Victoria Shed, alongside the installation of solar panels across several buildings within the former textile manufacturing complex.

The proposals include rooftop solar panels on Victoria Mill, F Mill, E Mill and G Mill, with the aim of generating renewable electricity and supporting the long-term maintenance of the historic site.

Repairs needed to leaking roofs

According to supporting documents submitted with the application, the roof of Victoria Shed has been leaking badly for several years.

The eastern half of the building is currently vacant, with repairs required before the space can be offered to a new tenant.

The application also identifies the need to refurbish the roof of E Mill, where existing over-cladding is approaching the end of its usable life.

The proposed solar installation would help finance the repairs, with revenue generated from electricity production contributing towards the cost of restoring Victoria Shed's roof.

Solar panels could generate significant electricity

The proposed installation would have a generating capacity of approximately 700 kilowatts.

According to the planning documents, the system is expected to produce:

  • 590,359 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

  • 20.6 million kilowatt-hours over its anticipated 35-year lifespan.

  • An estimated reduction of 117 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The documents explain that Dean Clough's buildings are primarily heated and cooled using electrical heat pump technology.

Gas heating has been progressively phased out over the past three decades, while electricity currently purchased for the site is sourced from renewable energy suppliers.

Installing solar panels would allow the complex to generate some of its own electricity, potentially reducing operating costs and supporting further investment in the buildings.

Protecting Halifax's industrial heritage

Dean Clough is one of Halifax's most recognisable historic industrial sites.

The complex was formerly home to John Crossley and Sons, which grew into the world's largest carpet manufacturing operation.

Its extensive buildings and large workforce played an important role in the town's industrial development and economic history.

The planning application states that the proposed roof works would not affect surviving historic building fabric, as the roofs have already been substantially altered or replaced.

It also explains that the work would be reversible and that the roofs are largely concealed from ground-level views by the height of the buildings and surrounding parapets.

Awaiting planning decision

The proposals remain subject to consideration by Calderdale Council.

If approved, the scheme could address longstanding maintenance problems while introducing a substantial renewable energy installation at the historic complex.

The project would combine the preservation of Halifax's industrial heritage with investment in more sustainable energy generation.

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