A planning application to convert the site of an old Leek mill into 57 retirement apartments for over-65s has been approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

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

The plans were unanimously approved by councillors at a meeting of the district council's Planning Committee today (Thursday 7th April).

The application follows on from previous planning permission granted back in 2017 for a similar apartment building on the site, although a new application was required as the latest plans differed 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.

Now that the plans have been approved, the mill can be 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 planning statement provided on behalf of the applicants by SatPlan Planning and Development said: "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."

Cllr Mike Gledhill said: "I can see there have been really productive discussions between officers and agents. Brownfield sites can be an eyesore so it's great to see it moving forward as it could be a major asset to the town."

Cllr Ben Emery added: "It was such a shame that the mill was left as a brownfield site because it is so rich in heritage. It's a majestic building that will be added and it's an honour to have such a beautiful building coming to the area."