AN HISTORIC mill which played a key role in bringing prosperity to Stroud through the cloth industry was saved from demolition in 2006.

Cheltenham-based Newland Homes wanted to build 45 apartments and houses at Lewiston Mill – the earliest brick-built mill in the Five Valleys.

But, planners and councillors rejected the plans because of the building’s historical importance.

The mill was designed and built by Brimscombe engineer James Ferrabee.

The central mill building dated from 1864 and unusually had its own attached water tower.

One of the buildings proposed for demolition included decorative iron roof trusses.

Planners said the mill was a prime example of 19th century architecture and demonstrated the evolution of the cloth industry.

They feared the proposed development would ruin the Industrial Heritage Conservation Area.

The Environment Agency also objected to the plans on the grounds that the building could be prone to flooding.

Councillor John Marjoram suggested the mill be used in the future for employment purposes.

Another suggestion was for the building to be used for leisure or retail uses.

But, planners said a huge cash investment would be needed to bring the building up to the standard needed for employment use.

In a new planning application in 2013, the mill was retained while surrounding workshops were demolished to make way for flats apartments.