PLANS for the redevelopment of Rooksmoor Mills in North Woodchester moved one step closer to approval last night.

Yesterday, Stroud District Council’s development control committee resolved to grant the scheme subject to a legal agreement and further publicity.

The vote was close with five in favour and four against. 

This proposed redevelopment will cost a monumental £11 million with 54 news flat, more than 100 car parking spaces and 1,300 square metres of business space.

An application for the site was resubmitted in February by a King’s Stanley based developer, Rooksmoor Mills Limited through their agent Stride Treglown Ltd.

Previous versions of the Rooksmoor Mills application were approved in December 2007 and June 2015 despite objections from residents, 52 of which signed a petition.

The 2007 approval was for 51 flats, however this application lapsed from inaction.

When the plans were debated in 2015 a couple who live at Rooksmoor House opposite the site, objected to the application’s overwhelming approval.

The High Court ruled on the decision on December 1 2016, declining permission based on detrimental heritage impact.

Rooksmoor Mills sits within the designated Stroud Industrial Heritage Conservation Area, next to the Nailsworth-Woodchester cycle path and a former mill pond.

When the plans were resubmitted earlier this year, residents were again displeased at the proposal, saying they wanted development but the proposed development failed to fit in with the local heritage.

Speaking in March, Allan Nolan who lives opposite the sight said: “What we have here is a developer who will not listen to the community.

“The impact on the environment of this particular scheme would be huge, it could increase the risk of flooding.

“The heritage impact has not changed. We all want development but we want it to be sympathetic and low-rise.”

If the plans are eventually approved the residents are once again expected to appeal to the High Court.

To view the application in full visit the Stroud District Council planning website and search for application S.13/1893/FUL