A housing developer can “pop the champers” after plans to convert a historic former Somerset mill into housing were approved.

Old Viney Bridge Mill, just off the A356 South Street in Crewkerne, was sold at auction in May 2022 and has been earmarked for demolition for more than a decade.

Tommy Tobin-Webster, of Viney Bridge Mills Heritage Ltd., applied in December 2023 to redevelop the site, delivering a total of 46 properties.

Following a series of lengthy delays, partially caused by the ongoing phosphates crisis, Somerset Council has granted permission for the development – meaning that construction could finally begin in the new year.

The site lies between Station Road and Weavers Close, a stone’s throw from the Wool Gardens development being constructed by Taylor Wimpey, which will eventually deliver 635 homes and commercial space at the town’s eastern edge.

The existing mill buildings will be converted and significantly renovated to create 30 dwellings, with a further 16 properties being created through the partial demolition of ancillary buildings within the grounds of the property.

The majority of the new homes will be three- and four-bedroom houses, which will be accessed via a new bridge installed on Weavers Ridge, with 77 car parking spaces and 46 cycle spaces being provided across the development site.

The existing public right of way onto Kithill, which runs around the southern and western edge of the site, will not be obstructed as a result of the regeneration process.

A spokesperson for Kay Elliott Architect (representing the applicant) said: “The re-purposing of Viney Bridge Mill creates the opportunity for a unique community to call this home, inspired by the site’s rich industrial past and surrounding local landscape and watercourse.

“The objective is to create a unique atmosphere blending the two characters of the site, focused around a new landscaped garden and water feature.

“Blending the industrial buildings into comfortable homes, along with a robust material palette, results in an architectural design that captures both the significant heritage of the site, its rhythm, charm, and intrigue.

“With a keen focus on reuse, craftsmanship, and meticulous detailing, a distinctive sense of place will be created.”

Crewkerne lies within the River Parrett catchment area, meaning that any developer must provide additional mitigation to prevent any net increase in phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors.

To offset the new homes, the developer will be fallowing agricultural land and planting woodland over the course of the next five years – with temporary phosphate credits being purchased to cover the initial phases of the development.

The southern edge of Crewkerne is expected to see significant housing growth over the years, raising fears of the town merging with the neighbouring village of Misterton (where its railway station is located).

On top of the Wool Gardens development, Place Land LLP is seeking to secure permission for 325 homes directly opposite the railway station entrance, which will include a ‘transport hub’ and additional parking for rail passengers.