Crumbling historic mill could be transformed into apartments and commercial space - with 150 new homes planned for neighbouring fields

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A developer has revealed plans to transform a crumbling historic mill into apartments and commercial space -paid for by building 150 homes on neighbouring fields. The proposal would see the upper floors of Grade II* listed Crimble Mill, in Heywood, converted into 33 flats,while the lower levels could be used for purposes ranging from shops, restaurants and museums to gyms, offices and exhibitions.

Dating back to 1825, the five-storey building is a rare example of a textile mill that illustrates the transition from water to steam power. It is likely to be the last large-scale water-powered rural mill to survive in Greater Manchester.The ‘sensitive restoration’ of the mill complex would including the main range, as well as its two wings and Grade II-listed chimney.

The scheme also includes plans for 31 new homes in three ‘blocks’ on land around the mill on a ‘similar footprint’ to that of the existing buildings. The prospect of restoring the mill - classed as 'at risk' by Historic England - is generally welcomed by the local community.

READ MORE : Developer reveals controversial plans for huge housing estate next to popular Greater Manchester beauty spot

However, plans for an ‘enabling development’ of 150 homes on the opposite side of the River Roch has proven highly controversial since first appearing in the region’s joint development plan - now dubbed ‘Places for Everyone’. Green belt campaigners previously demanded thewhole 55 acre site be removed from the plan on the grounds it is too vulnerable to flooding, as well as objecting to the loss of the fields.

But the applicant - Redwaters (Crimble) Ltd and Prescot Business Park - claims the flood risk would be addressed by replacing the Crimble Lane road bridge with a