Renovation plan for crumbling mill

A DELAPIDATED old mill in Dobcross is set to be given a complete renovation which will transform the building into eight modern apartments.

A public consultation, which takes place tomorrow, will gauge views on the plans for Brownhill Bridge Mill, on Dobcross New Road.

The Grade II-listed building has deteriorated after remaining empty for many years.

The owners intend to fully renovate the building, remove unsightly recent extensions, add a new carefully designed extension and convert it into residential use.

Improvements to the access with Dobcross New Road, as well as historic features around the site, are also proposed.

A planning application and listed building application will be submitted once consultation is complete.

Alan Chorlton, from consultants Chorlton Planning, said: “All the timber that’s in a terrible state will be removed and it will be stripped down to the original stone building and converted and extended into eight residential units.

“It’s a very old building and in a very poor condition and needs urgent attention.

“Residential is the only use that will enable investment for it to be kept.

“We want the public’s view and to get as much consultation as we can before we submit the final application.”

He added that it was a similar proposal to the plans for Delph Chapel that were recently passed, in terms of bringing a dilapidated, historical building back into residential use.

Tomorrow’s consultation takes place at the Brownhill Visitor Centre, Wool Road, Dobcross, between 4 and 6.30pm.

The architect and Mr Chorlton will be in attendance to explain the proposals and listen to residents’ opinions.