A new planning application has been submitted to convert the site of an old Leek mill into 57 retirement apartments for over-65s.

The plans were submitted to the district council this week by land and development consultancy Constructing Growth and Housing 21, a not-for-profit retirement housing company based in Birmingham. They are hoping to convert the Compton Mill site at Compton, Southbank Street and Duke Street in Leek.

The application follows on from previous planning permission granted back in 2017 for a similar apartment building on the site, although a new application has new been required as the latest plans differ slightly from those granted previously.

The historic site was used as a silk mill since at least 1879, but much of it was destroyed in a fire in the 1960s, with the area then being used for storage and an antiques showroom.

The majority of the Mill was demolished in 2018 as part of permission granted to Gladman Care Homes to develop the site into retirement apartments, but these plans did not materialise. Only the Mill's historic stairwell has been retained.

This latest proposal would see the mill developed into 57 apartments, 43 of which would have one bedroom, with 14 having two bedrooms. They are aimed at older residents, with the developer saying prices will be affordable.

Like the old plans, the new proposals also aim to retain the Mill's old staircase tower, which would be connected to the building via the living rooms of apartments on three floors.

There will also be a lobby area, a residents' lounge and tea making area, an office area for staff, and a buggy store for scooter parking, as well as a car park with 31 spaces.

A statement provided on behalf of the applicants by SatPlan Planning and Development states: "The proposed development makes an efficient use of a previously developed, vacant and problematic site in a prominent and accessible location."

"The proposed scheme provides a good mix of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, suited for retirement living.

"The scheme will provide a variety of socio-economic benefits synonymous with residential development. Principally the scheme will comprise of 100% affordable housing for older people, but also includes construction jobs during the build out phase, increase in local population, an increase in local expenditure and the provision of council tax revenues on an otherwise vacant site."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will have the final say on the application at a later date.

If you would like to view the plans in full click here.