Mill conversion 'would damage heritage'

PLANS to convert an historic Sheffield water mill into three homes are facing opposition from protesters who claim the scheme would damage the city’s industrial heritage.

Instead, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England is suggesting that Sheffield City Council should work with the developer on a scheme which would restore the mill and use the site to generate hydro-electricity.

The CPRE says the council owns the building with the water wheel and associated machinery, and has suggested the authority works with the developer to make fresh use of the energy available from water power.

The planning application for the site, at Black Lane, would see three houses created from buildings which at present are in a state of disrepair.

While the CPRE accepts that creating domestic dwellings would generate the income needed to secure the future of the building, it is concerned it would have a damaging effect on the site. It says it is important because it was one of the earliest mills to be constructed in Sheffield and that the addition of domestic features, such as gardens and decking, would spoil the listed building.

Developers Sevenhills Estates in Sheffield insist their project would not prevent a hydro-electricity scheme at the site in future and say the scheme would safeguard the building, which is falling into disrepair. They say the conversion would have a minimal impact on the site’s traditional appearance.

Planning officer at CPRE, John King, said: “Olive Mill is a really important piece of industrial archaeology. The buildings will lose their original industrial appearance if these domestic alterations go ahead.

“We would like to see the building restored and retained. Residential use would enable that, but there has to be a balance, that whatever is done is sensitive to its heritage.

“It is complex, because Sheffield Council still owns the water wheel. We would like to see a complete restoration of the site and, if possible, utilising hydro.

“There is potential to use the water which powered the mill to power electricity. There would be a lot of hoops to get through and with it being listed I am sure some people would be concerned about putting hydro-electricity equipment in there. But if it was sensitively done, I think it could work.”

He added: “When you walk down the valley at the moment, it’s lovely, tranquil and rural. If these plans go ahead, you’ll have to go past courtyards, gardens and cars. It won’t be the same.”