Row over plan to demolish historic mill

The derelict Bailey Mill, which closed in 1996

Iram Ramzan - Oldham Planning Committee

A DERELICT, vandalised Delph mill will be demolished - probably in favour of housing - despite opposition from conservationists.

Objectors say demolition of 19th century Bailey Mill between Oldham Road and Delph New Road damage the character of the conservation area. No formal scheme has yet been submitted to redevelop the site.

A condition on previous proposals — which fell through because of a downturn in the economy — to redevelop the site said demolition should be approved only if houses would be built there

The Ancient Monuments Society, the Victorian Society, the 20th Century Society, and the Council for British Archaeology all object to to demolition.

Councillor Nikki Kirkham, who opposes demolition, believes the mill could be successfully converted into apartments: “There’s an historic importance to the building. There is a sound external structure, there is no need to demolish it.”

But mill owners R Gledhill Ltd believe apartments aren’t what the area needs. Company representative Tony Whitehead told the committee public consultation in Delph resulted in most people in favour of family housing rather than flats. Stone from the mill, which closed in 1996, would be reused in new building work.

Demolition was approved subject to a bat survey being carried out, consideration of the impact on the green belt, and that any development must be in keeping with surrounding buildings.

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