Plans to turn a historic former Mansfield mill into a housing development have been welcomed by neighbours who are tired of the site looking rundown.
Mansfield District Council’s planning committee has approved the redevelopment plans for the former Bath Mill site, off Bath Lane.
The ruins of the mill will not be used to erect two new cottages, a flat and a maisonette.
A ‘replica’ mill will also be built to provide eight two-bedroom homes under one block, while two separate blocks of three terraced homes are also planned.
Now, residents have had their say on the plans.
Ricky Hughes, 32, who lives nearby, said: "I heard about some antisocial behaviour, but where isn't there antisocial behaviour in Mansfield?
"There was a police chase down this road only a couple of weeks ago.
"I'm not sure that houses are really needed in this area with more parking and traffic and things.
"It's nice they're doing something with it, though. It's not far from the park."
Bath Street resident Pamela Castledine, who lives opposite the development, said: "I had no idea where it was but I heard it will be a place for older people.
"That's fine with me as I can't imagine they will be much trouble, it should be quiet.
"I don't think there's been a big problem with antisocial behaviour but I had heard that a couple of fires had been started."
The site previously operated as a water-powered textile mill and was built between 1822 and 1831.
However, the mill stopped being used around 1984 and, “due to lack of maintenance and substantial vandalism issues”, a large part of the building has been destroyed.
All that remains of the former mill are the outline footprints of the building, part of the demolished building, the remaining structure of the former cottages and the large, free-standing red chimney.
Developers have been trying for years to get the redevelopment plans over the line, with a previous application approved when it was brought before planners five years ago.
However, issues with planning conditions meant the project never got underway, and now developer Wellford Estates Ltd has brought back what it describes as a “replica” of these same plans.
Matt Hutchins, 41, who is a local resident, said: "I'm glad they're doing something with it of course.
"It's a ruin at the moment and it's been like that for ages - it's not nice to look at is it.
"A cottage sounds nice.
"You also have a park just over the road which will be convenient for people.
"I can't complain."
Documents state the ‘replica’ mill will be based on the footings of the previous mill building, adjacent to the iconic chimney and the River Maun.
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