Published on Wed Apr 27 15:57:26 BST 2011
PLANS to transform a listed Mildenhall building and its grounds into a complex of 12 affordable homes have been given the green light.
Forest Heath District Council’s planning committee unanimously approved an application from Havebury Housing Ltd on Thursday to covert the former builders’ merchants in Mill Park Gardens into five flats.
Under the plans, the housing provider, which has offices in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, would also demolish outbuildings to the rear of the property and build a further seven homes, including two four-bedroom houses, a three-storey building containing three two-bedroom flats and a two-storey building providing two two-bedroom apartments.
Fourteen parking spaces would also be provided.
Havebury Housing, which had already secured planning permission for eight homes, initially proposed building 13 properties, but scaled back their plans following concerns from a neighbouring property.
Mildenhall Parish Council said it supported the plans, but had hoped the development would have been scaled back further, while both English Heritage and The Georgian Group objected amid claims there was a lack of information assessing the impact the development would have on the site’s heritage assets.
Eleven letters of objection were received from residents, citing concerns with the number of homes, problems with parking, access issues and increased noise.
Lesley Short, representing the applicant, told the committee it would cost around £300,000 to repair the under-loved building but said Havebury Housing’s plans would “bring it back to life”.
He added: “Mildenhall town centre is is looking a bit jaded and a bit underused, but this project would see a listed building regenerated with 12 new and affordable homes.”
Cllr Malcolm Smith and committee chairman Cllr Rona Burt said they supported the scheme, but felt the was a problem with safe access to the site.
It was suggested a mirror be fitted near the entrance to the site to improve the view of Mill Street.
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