Historic former Mansfield mill to become homes

A former Mansfield mill plagued by anti-social behaviour, vandalism and fires will be brought back to life as a housing development.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It comes after Mansfield Council’s planning committee approved the redevelopment plans at the former Bath Mill site, off Bath Lane.

The site, built between 1822 and 1831. was previously a water-powered textile mill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was converted and extended in about 1880 before being used as a hosiery mill, with an on-site, four-storey building spanning 20 windows wide.

The derelict cottages on the site of Bath Mill, Bath Lane, Mansfield.The derelict cottages on the site of Bath Mill, Bath Lane, Mansfield.
The derelict cottages on the site of Bath Mill, Bath Lane, Mansfield.

However, the mill stopped being used about 1984 and, ‘due to lack of maintenance and substantial vandalism issues’, a large part 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, issues with planning conditions meant the project never got under way.

The iconic chimney still standing at Bath Mill, Mansfield.The iconic chimney still standing at Bath Mill, Mansfield.
The iconic chimney still standing at Bath Mill, Mansfield.
Read More
Urban explorer reveals stunning images of abandoned Mansfield building

Replica plans

Now developer Wellford Estates has brought back what it describes as a ‘replica’ of those plans.

Under the proposals, the dilapidated mill cottages will be altered and refurbished to provide two new cottages, a flat and a maisonette.

A ‘replica’ mill will also be built to provide eight two-bedroom homes under one block, with two separate blocks of three terrace homes also planned.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Documents state the ‘replica’ mill will be based on the footings of the previous mill building, adjacent to the chimney and River Maun.

Ian Pleasant, of Jay Ashall Partnership, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told councillors: “The site has suffered over the years with anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and we’d like to try to redevelop the site.”

The authority’s community safety team says it ‘fully’ supports the application, with the land and old buildings ‘blighted by anti-social behaviour for a number of years’.

Committee members agreed the site needs to be redeveloped.

Coun Martin Wright, member for Holly ward, said: “It would be great to see this work carried forward. It’s a sight for sore eyes for all the wrong reasons and I welcome this.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Andy Wetton, who represents Meden, said: “It would be a big feather in the cap to get this place developed again.”

A message from Jon Ball, your Chad Editor: Please support your Chad by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics: