Shrewsbury Flax Mill plans approved

Long-awaited £30 million plans to transform Shrewsbury's historic Flax Mill into homes, offices and shops are to finally go ahead after the scheme was given approval.

It means building work can proceed for the first time in the huge progra- mme to transform the 18th century Grade I lis- ted mill in Ditherington.

Plans have been in the pipeline for years for the redevelopment of the former maltings site, although the project has faced uncertainty because of the recession.

Shropshire Council's central planning committee gave the go-ahead yesterday to three separate applications for the redevelopment.

Councillor Tudor Bebb, chairman, said they needed to make the most of the opportunity. He said: "We took a guided tour this week and it was a real eye-opener when you look back over the years and see what Shrewsbury has lost. Let's not make the same mistake."

Councillor Clare Wild said it was a "beautiful building" which could be a World Heritage Site but links must be made to other uses to ensure its success. She said: "This is the masterplan. It's the first step and a very important step for us all."

The plans include an outline application for the rep- air and re-use of historic buildings to create worksp- ace and cultural activities, offices, homes, car parking and landscaping.

The second full application is for the repair and alt- erations to the listed buildings including the demolition of the north silo and demolition of all non-listed buildings on the Spring Gardens sites. The third application is for listed building consent.

Ditherington councillor Alan Moseley, chairman of the Friends of the Flax Mill, said the plan had "significant cultural and social implications".