Fire-ravaged mill set to be bulldozed
PROPOSALS to demolish the arsonravaged Hartford Mill look set to be approved by planning chiefs.
Oldham council want to knock down the Grade II-listed mill, in Werneth, and build new housing on the site and on the land surrounding Block Lane and Edward Street.
The planning committee will make a decision on the proposals on Wednesday, and officers are recommending that they be approved.
It’s not yet known how many homes could be built on the land after the dilapidated mill building is bulldozed.
The mill, which was opened in 1907, produced cotton until the 1950s.
However it has been empty since 1991 after Littlewoods, who used the building as a mail order depot, vacated the site, and it has since become an eyesore, and a target for vandals and flytippers.
The condition of the site has rapidly deteriorated and has become an antisocial behaviour hotspot, covered in graffiti and surrounded by rubbish.
In his report, case officer Graham Dickman states that the loss of the ‘landmark structure’ would be ‘highly regrettable.’
But he adds: “It is evident that the condition of the mill is unlikely to ever be restored due to the cost and lack of viability of doing so.
“No viable reuse for the mill can be found. The gap between the cost and value is increasing over time.
“Therefore the mill is likely to continue to deteriorate and continue to attract negative behaviour and a negative image of Oldham.”
In 2014, a fire tore through the former mill, causing considerable damage, and a year later, a teenager died after falling from the roof.
The unnamed 18-year-old was raced to Salford Royal Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.
Owners have marketed the site for sale numerous times, but have been unsuccessful.
The town hall eventually decided to step in to see the plot transformed as part of wider regeneration plans in the area.
The committee report by Mr Dickman outlining the housing proposal states: “It is concluded that the proposal will make a significant contribution towards the regeneration of this area of Oldham, and has the potential to act as a catalyst for further regeneration.”
Council leader Sean Fielding said that the huge site has “great potential and excellent transport links”.
The plans have been drawn up following work with residents and Historic England, and were subject to a 13-week public consultation.