The Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby writes:

An historic mill in a Somerset village could be brought back into employment or community use as part of a new housing development

Food manufacturer Greencore closed its factory on Prestleigh Road in Evercreech, near Shepton Mallet, in October 2018 at a cost of around 400 jobs.

Bristol-based firm West Estates Development Ltd. submitted outline plans to build up to 129 new homes on the site – plans which the local district councillor said would create "a stranded urban island in a rural village".

Amended plans have now been put forward which would see the former Kemps Mill within the site retained for either employment or communal purposes, with the proposed number of homes being reduced.

The developer met with council representatives in November 2020, with a number of possible changes to the proposals being discussed – including the retention of Kemps Mill and the Creamery buildings, and providing more employment and community facilites within the site.

Amended proposals were published on the council's planning portal in mid-March, with the developer making a number of modifications.

Under the new proposals, the number of homes planned for the site has been reduced from 129 to 106 – of which 32 will be affordable.

The Kemps Mill building – which dates back to the 1860s – will be retained and renovated to provide either a community venue (such as a village hall) or employment units, with 30 new parking spaces being provided nearby.

A spokesman said: "Following comments received from the council and the public, it is proposed to seek the retention of Kemps Mill, which it is considered can be sensitively renovated and brought back into beneficial use.

"Works would look to demolish the later additions, and retain and reinstate the building's original features, with a contemporary and industrial internal fit out which reflects the building's industrial past.

"The building could support modern day businesses and the needs of the local community."

Councillor Barry O'Leary, who represents the Creech ward on Mendip District Council, has welcomed the changes as an important first step in securing the best use of the site.

Posting on his official Twitter account, he said: "I think preserving old buildings within our communities and using them in a sustainable way for both working and living is so important.

"I'm delighted that the old factory site at Evercreech will keep the original Kemps Mill. It's a good start and I'll wait to see the full details."

The council is expected to make a decision on the plans later in the year. It is not clear at this stage whether the plans will be debated in public by the council's planning board.