Plans submitted to restore historic Crimble Mill

Plans have been submitted to Rochdale Council for the refurbishment of part of Crimble Mill, the Grade II listed mill in Heywood.

Businessman Peter Cordwell is proposing to refurbish a run-down warehouse building within the site and divide it into six new units.

Mr Cordwell is looking to restore the mill on a gradual basis starting with the warehouse.

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application states 'the client is seeking to redevelop the premises on a phased basis beginning with the derelict warehouse on the north side of the building'.

'The proposal includes an extended hard standing vehicular access and an internal re-arrangement and sub division of the existing building to small more viable units.'

The mill, built in the 19th Century, has been empty since the closure of the Roe Acre dyeing company in 2005 and has been identified as 'at risk' by English Heritage.

The warehouse in the initial planning application is thought to be between 60 and 80 years old and is said to be in a 'serious state of dilapidation'.

The statement adds: 'The primary intention will be to bring this warehouse back in to use and hence generate income for the future viability of the site.'