Landmark former mill flats conversion plan set for go-ahead

A “well-known and prominent” former mill in Macclesfield looks set to be converted into 30 flats.Applicant Mr Z Rafiq is proposing the change of use of Albion Mill, in London Road, into two-bedroomed flats. A total of 33 parking spaces are proposed and a bin store and cycle storage area.The building, which has been vacant for some 18 years or more and is said to be in a “poor state of repair”, was originally built as a silk mill in 1843 and is grade II-listed. In the past, the mill has housed a variety of commercial enterprises, leasing floors or parts of the building in the more recent history.Previous planning permission secured in 2004 for 16 large three-bedroomed flats and a ground floor office at the mill proved unviable and work stopped in 2009.An officer’s report for Cheshire East Council’s Northern Planning committee said the application site is classed as part of an existing employment area, is within the flood plain, and backs onto the River Bollin corridor.The report said the scheme would attract an education contribution of £81,713 and a greenspace sum of £105,000. Ten of the units would also need to be affordable, however this would be reduced to one unit when vacant building credit is considered.The document said the principle of the development is accepted, and it is considered that there is a “real public benefit in facilitating the long-term future of this well-known mill building on a prime gateway into Macclesfield”.It added that the “substantial benefit” of bringing the listed ‘landmark’ building into use after such a considerable amount of time, thereby helping to sustain its future, outweighs, on balance, any harm that would be caused by the lack of developer contribution and limited parking provision.Approval has been recommended subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement.