Historic mill is to be turned into new flats
ABUILDING of ‘ significant historic interest’ that no one wanted to use as offices will be turned into new homes.
Grade II listed Upper Paradise Mill, on Park Lane, Macclesfield centre, was built in 1860 and played a prominent role in the town’s silk trade.
Now Cheshire East Council has approved a planning application from developer and building owner Almand-Smith to convert it into 10 apartments.
The five-storey mill, which has been empty for around two years, will have two apartments on each floor.
It was used by Cartwright and Sheldon silk weavers until this business closed down in 1981 and a few years later it became offices.
But these too moved out and - despite efforts - the owners were unable to re-let it as offices.
As part of the planning process, questions had been raised as to whether redevelopment would spoil the character of the former silk mill.
But council planning officers concluded in a report: “The amendments are minor, with the main changes to the front doors to the building and the cladding to the rear fire extinguisher water tank. Overall the impact of the proposal on the listed building is considered to be acceptable.”
A report by Neil Collins, from NC Architecture, was submitted with the planning application.
It said: “In the last two years, the mill has remained vacant and unable to be let as offices, due to changing market conditions and lack of adequate parking, rendering it unattractive to prospective commercial tenants.
“Protecting and enhancing the character of the heritage asset is of paramount important to safeguard its long-term wellbeing.
“The building has remained vacant for two years and has suffered neglect within that period of time, resulting in deterioration of its character.
“The proposed change of use from offices to residential secures the mill’s viable and sustainable use.”
The application does not include Lower Paradise Mill, which was built at the same time and has found use as a museum depicting life in the 1930s.