A LONG awaited set of plans to transform a dilapidated old mill in Merriott has been submitted for approval.

Dating back to the 13th century, Tail Mill has always provided work for locals, first as a corn mill, then as a textile mill, before becoming a plastics moulding factory.

It has stood vacant since 2011 when Merriott Plastics moved to a new home in Crewkerne and now developer Zero C wishes to turn it into 45 homes.

But, there has been some concern among pockets of residents that the village’s infrastructure would not cope with such a “grand” scheme.

James Dore, of Merriott, said: “The general feeling is that the plans are too grand and that Merriott as a village doesn’t have the infrastructure to cope with the added number of proposed houses.

“Also, there is concern that Tail Mill itself would become another ‘rat run’ and the village already suffers from a speed issue at present.

“The area does need to be developed, as it is falling into disrepair, but Merriott just doesn’t have the amenities to cope with the potential additional households and there are no new plans to build such amenities.”

However, at a consultation session held in July, Zero C managing director Kim Slowe said he would hope to put retractable bollards at one end of Tail Mill Lane to prevent a rat run.

Previous applications had been submitted to develop the set of grade two listed buildings, but nothing ever came to fruition.

A statement from the developer’s application documents said: “The buildings at Tail Mill have been under-maintained for many years such that many areas are now in a serious state of disrepair.

“Following extensive consultation, we have produced proposals that we believe will maintain and improve the fabric of these buildings and bring them back into viable use.

“Our proposed conversion of the listed buildings will respect the significance of the historic buildings by allowing their history to be understood.”

It is expected that the development would take three years to come to fruition.

The plans will be reviewed by the parish council before a decision from South Somerset District Council which is expected to be made by December 17.