By Ryan Sands
PLANS to transform a derelict Burren mill complex into a new residential development have been submitted.
A planning application, recently lodged with council planners by Mourne Assets Ltd, proposes the conversion and extension of the vacant mill buildings on the Derryleckagh Road site to provide 11 apartments, as well as the construction of a replacement dwelling, landscaping, parking and a new access.
A design concept statement notes that the site of the former Milltown Mill complex is ‘approximately 1.53 hectares in size, irregular in shape and comprises brownfield land located in the countryside’.
It is highlighted that existing structures on the site include two two-storey flax scutching mill buildings – one was manually operated, the other automatic – a two-storey dwelling, a stone-built building associated with one of the mills, a block-built building consisting of one room, and an octagonal brick chimney with corbelled top.
The document continues: ‘According to Department for Communities (DfC) Historic Environment Division’s Historic Buildings, a water-powered corn mill was recorded at this location in the 1830s, although it is noted as being in ruins on the 1860 Ordinance Survey 6” map.
‘Flax scutching appears to have commenced sometime in the mid-1860s, and the brick chimney probably dates from this phase of development; however, there are no other traces of this mid-19th century mill.
‘The current mill buildings on the site date from the 1940s and were purpose-built with government finance as part of the war effort.
‘The former mill complex is noted as a site of industrial heritage by DfC Historic Environment Division (HED).
‘The complex is not “listed” but has been recorded by HED as being of interest on account of the “presence of hand-operated machinery and the water turbine”.
‘The existing remains of these features are in a dilapidated state or missing.’
Read the full story in the current issue of the Mourne Observer.
