Plans to refurbish and convert the interior of the historic Loggans Mill building in Hayle, to provide 16 affordable rented homes for local people, have taken a step forward.
The scheme, for which planning permission has now been granted, will provide eight one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom flats, to help to meet local affordable housing need.
Constructed in 1852, the five-storey granite corn mill is in poor condition and is currently covered in scaffolding. The scheme, led by Cornwall Council, will secure the long-term future of the grade II listed building, subject to securing necessary grant funding. In order to preserve the historic integrity of the building, external alterations will be kept to a minimum.
“Loggans Mill is one of the most important industrial sites in Hayle,” said the council’s portfolio holder for housing, Olly Monk. “The decision by the planning committee to grant planning approval means we can bring this dilapidated building back into use, at the same time as providing much-needed accommodation for local people.”
There are currently 418 applicants on the Homechoice housing register for Hayle.
“We are continuing to take direct action to tackle the serious housing crisis facing the people of Cornwall by providing homes for those that need our help,” said Mr Monk. “We all need and deserve somewhere to live and call home.
“The lack of affordable accommodation is affecting all types of households, including working families, couples, and single people. Many people are struggling to find somewhere to live, with an increase in the number of single people sofa surfing and even being forced to consider sleeping rough.
“This scheme is part of a wider council programme to make better use of redundant council-owned properties, and we are looking forward to carrying out similar projects in other properties across Cornwall.”
He added: “The Loggans Mill scheme is a big project, requiring specialist technical expertise and a concerted effort to preserve an important part of local Cornish history.
“Having successfully secured planning permission and listed building consent, we will move now to try and find a partner to come on board and redevelop the site for us, and help us revitalise this really important part of Hayle.
“Loggans Mill is a great example of how we can refurbish redundant council buildings and bring them back to a useful future by providing really good quality, secure homes for local people.”
