Transformation of mill set to get the go-ahead

The future of an abandoned mill in Mossley will be decided next week.

Britannia New Mill has been empty for years, with the last occupant leaving in 2022. Ever since then, it has been earmarked for redevelopment.

Plans to demolish the site were approved in 2024. Now a new scheme to build 49 new affordable homes has been tabled.

Once the mill site has been bulldozed, Holmpatrick Limited – the developer – hopes to build 17 houses and a four-storey, 32-home, apartment block. All the homes would be available for affordable rates (up to 80 per cent of market value).

As part of the plans submitted to Tameside council, the houses would be a mix of two and three-bedroom homes and the apartments would be a mix of one and two-bedrooms.

According to planning papers, the ‘modern redevelopment’ on Queen Street, just off Manchester Road, would sit next to the River Tame – with a ‘buffer zone’ between. The site is also just a stone’s throw away from Mossley train station.

The proposal includes the provision of 50 car parking spaces, with 14 for the apartment block, 30 allocated spaces for the houses and six visitor spaces.

Tameside council’s planning panel will meet at Droylsden’s Guardsman Tony Downes House next week (September 9) to make a decision on the scheme. It has been recommended for approval by town hall planning officers.

Planning papers read: “The proposed redevelopment comprises the construction of 49 new homes including access improvements, car parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure following demolition of the existing buildings on site.

“The proposal will result in a housing policy compliant high-quality form of development within Mossley. The site is in a highly accessible urban location with easy access to public transport, shops, services, and amenities.”

Britannia New Mill should not be confused with Britannia Mill, its neighbour fronting Manchester Road, which has been earmarked for redevelopment by the Millson Group. In 2021 Tameside council approved plans to knock down Britannia Mill, built in 1851, and construct 62 new apartments.