Crumbling mill puts housing plans on hold

EYESORE . . . the empty site of the former Clarksfield Conservative Club with dilapidated Bank Mill next door

AMBITIOUS plans for a plot of family homes have been put on hold due to a dilapidated mill.

Developers Branley Homes say housing associations are not keen to work with them on proposals to build 16 houses in Huxley Street, Clarksfield, while Bank Mill is in disrepair.

Branley owns land next to the mill, which used to house Clarksfield Conservative Club, demolished last May.

Their plans for a mix of three and four-bedroom houses have met with approval from neighbouring residents — but the mill is putting a spanner in the works.

Planning permission has previously been granted to the mill’s owners to transform the derelict building into apartments. The mill has since suffered arson attacks and vandalism.

Branley’s Daniel Hayes said: “The mill is in a terrible state. It is a blight for those people living close by.”

Councillor David Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing, transport, said senior officers have been asked to investigate

The mill owner was not available for comment.






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