Owners want to remove old mill
PLAN TO REPLACE IT WITH SHOPS/OFFICES
PERMISSION is being sought for the destruction and removal of the old Mill on Mill Road in Greystones.
The application was made by owners last month and a decision is due in February.
They want to replace the structure with a two-story retail building with shops on the ground floor and offices on the first floor.
The building was built in 1837 as a corn mill.
Planning permission has already been granted on a previous occasion for the development of a primary retail facility at the site. However it was stated that the old Mill must be retained as part of any development.
Deputy Simon Harris was among those to object to the plans. He said that the Mill is of significant historical value to the town and a recognisable feature of the town for many residents.
While the new application claims that the Mill structure is not safe, Deputy Harris has called for an independent expert report on the matter.
'It is important to note that the community in large numbers chose not to object to previous planning applications to develop this site because such applications planned to retain the Mill structure,' said Deputy Harris. 'It is most disappointing that now, after permission being given to develop the site, further permission is being sought to remove the historical structure from the site.'
He added that there is wildlife living in the Mill including nesting barn owls, as well as mature trees on the site.