Plans to convert a 300-year-old Derbyshire mill complex into homes are set to be approved despite concerns over drainage and highways safety.
The scheme for Lumsdale Mill, just east of Matlock, from Mark Lee, is set to be approved by Derbyshire Dales District Council at a meeting next week.
If approved, some of the former mill buildings would be converted into 11 apartments while 12 new houses (reduced from 14) would be built in its grounds, with others buildings to be re-used for commercial and business use and some being demolished due to dereliction.
A total of 24 objection letters have been submitted to the council over the plans along with one letter of support.
Objections include concerns over the impact on conservation, trees, the local sewerage network, privacy, the narrow roads and lack of pavements, noise pollution, ecology and loss of view.
Meanwhile the supporter says the scheme would restore the mill site.
Council officers have recommended that the plans are approved due to the benefits of restoring the brownfield site outweighing the negatives of the addition of new homes in the countryside.
No open space would be provided on the site for residents and instead the developer will be giving £3,360.30 for parks and gardens, £3,912.30 for children’s play areas and £1,359.30 for allotments elsewhere in the district.
Council officers wrote: “The scheme seeks to retain the main mill building on site along with the brick saw-tooth roofed building to the rear whilst demolition the surrounding ancillary buildings and structures.
“The proposal seeks to convert the remaining buildings into apartments and then use the surrounding space to construct sets of terraced blocks of new-build dwellings.
“The buildings subject to demolition are not considered to make positive contributions to the character of the area and the proposal would retain buildings that do make a positive contribution.
“The conversion of Lumsdale Mill itself preserves the overall architectural form of the building.
“It would however result in a noticeable increase in the amount of glazing, particularly in the form of rooflights inserted into the roof along the southern portion of the building.
“This will result in a visual impact on the Lumsdale Conservation Area, albeit limited by the existing industrial character of the mill building.
“The proposed development would convert the existing mill buildings on site into residential use at a time when the district council’s housing supply of 1.36 years falls significantly short of the five-year requirement.
“This would provide a significant public benefit and would restore the use of the building itself which makes a significant positive contribution to the character and significance of the Lumsdale Conservation Area.
“As such, it is considered that there is no strong reason to refuse the application on heritage grounds.”
The mill complex was constructed as the Farnsworth Bleach Works in the 17th century before being used by a variety of businesses and commercial uses and now lies almost entirely vacant.
There would be a total of 59 parking spaces on the proposed site.
