Congleton mill set for conversion despite objections

Planners have agreed that Park Mill, Congleton can be converted into 2 four-bed houses by the developers Prospection Ltd.

Park Mill built in 1833, is the only surviving complete corn mill from the designs of the leading British engineer Sir William Fairbairn. The North West Mills Group objected to redevelopment, saying "The fact that this mill survives with its interior fittings intact makes it special and worthy of preservation, a fact acknowledged by its Grade II Listing. Taking away some of these destroys this completeness and thereby devalues it as a significant historical survival."

The Developers counter that they think conversion is the only viable option for the mill, and carried out archaeological studies to determine what machinery must remain within the mill even after redevelopment. English Heritage does not oppose the plans which now include the recording, restoration, conservation and preservation of all machinery contained in the mill.