Green light recommendation for former mill apartments plan

Approval has been recommended for plans to transform a former mill in Oldham borough into apartments.An application proposes the conversion of Knoll Mill in the village of Greenfield to a residential use. This includes the addition of a lift tower and two additional floors to create 38 apartments with basement parking.It also seeks permission for alterations and improvements to the external elevations of the Wellington Road mill building.An Oldham Council report said the mill building is the sole surviving structure of what was formerly a mid-19th century industrial complex known as Wellington Mills.The report said Knoll Mill is a large, rectangular three-storey block that has stood vacant since the mills closed in the 1990s and is now extensively derelict.The Oldham Mills Strategy categorises the building as a ‘medium priority’ mill in poor condition, with medium housing potential and low employment potential, according to the document.Officials have made a recommendation in the report to approve the proposals subject to conditions.The report added: “The benefits are significant, which include the retention and redevelopment of the existing mill building, which secures its long-term use, and it is considered that the public benefits would outweigh the harm.”Therefore, it is for that reason that the benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm, and on that basis the application is recommended for approval.”Oldham planners will discuss the application at a meeting on 24 August.