Mill demolition to start despite campaign

Demolition work is expected to start at an old mill site in Devon on Monday, despite a three-year campaign to save the buildings.

The mill site in Bradley Lane, Newton Abbot, was operational until 1972. Afterwards the site was broken up and rented for commercial premises, but in recent years it has been derelict.

For the last three years, the Newton Abbot and District Civic Society has campaigned to save the buildings and said it was an historical site in the town.

However, Teignbridge District Council said the demolition work was essential to release a key site for redevelopment.

Eloise Rokirilov, chair of the society, said: "It's really the last great intact historic site that we have got.

"It's not just one small building or feature - it's an entire set of buildings.

"Back in the 13th Century the lord of the manor would've had this mill built to serve him for his income stream, so there's a history here."

The society said it was better to redevelop what was on the site rather than demolish the buildings.

The council said "planning permission was granted for the site at the end of November, which sought the approval of the demolition of six buildings and associated structures within the site to prepare the land for future development".

It said: "The demolition work is essential to release this key site for redevelopment and is a great opportunity for Newton Abbot to bring a former industrial site back into use, maintaining the vibrancy of our community and improving the wider economy.

"Activity has already started onsite to prepare for the clearance. All utilities have been safely disconnected, and local ecology has been preserved and will be rehoused in specially designed habitats.

"Residents in the local area have been contacted and advised of the works, expected noise levels and other environmental considerations."

The society said the permission for the works by the council was approved by the council itself and it disagrees the ecology has been preserved and that all residents have been contacted.

The council said the works were expected to be completed by the end of March.

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