Planners vote to turn eyesore corn mill into nine quality homes

AN 18TH century corn mill in Nidderdale is to be converted into housing after complaints the historic building once used as a shop and restaurant had deteriorated into a mess.

The proposals for Darley Mill include its conversion into nine homes and the construction of 11 new properties at the Grade

II listed site. Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee approved the plans at a meeting when a local councillor said many villagers wanted to see the site redeveloped “as soon as possible”.

Councillor Sue Welch, chair of Darley and Menwith Parish Council, said: “The current mill building is a mess – it spoils the

whole look of the village and that part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“We need to bring it back into use and good repair.”

Councillor Welch said that although the parish council viewed the mill conversion as essential, it could not support the construction of new homes at the site.

In response, Richard Irving, an agent for the developers YorPlace, said the new properties were needed to make the development financially feasible – a view which was supported by an independent valuer.

Mr Irving also said the development would be carried out to the “highest quality”.

The approval comes after previous plans for a smaller development of 13 homes were given the go-ahead in 2018.

However, these plans never came forward.

The site closed as a corn mill in the 1960s and was most recently run by Yorkshire Linen Company as a restaurant and shop until 2016 when the company ran into financial problems.

The latest proposals include a mix of two, three and fourbedroom properties across the site.

The mill’s waterwheel will also be kept under the plans. Councillors cast five votes for and two against to approve the plans.