By Holly Robinson

A derelict and contaminated mill site could be restored to its former glory if plans by a development company to turn it into housing are approved.

Freshford Mill on the outskirts of Freshford, near Bradford on Avon, prospered as a clothiers mill in the 17th and 18th centuries but has been derelict since ceasing to house a rubber factory in the 1990s.

Bradford-based developer Maplecroft has applied to recreate a traditional mill building on the land and create 36 homes.

Matthew Weaver, of Maplecroft, said Freshford Mill had been a blot on the landscape for some time and desperately needed something doing.

He said: "We think what is proposed will be a positive enhancement to the area. There are some very good buildings on the site which are worthy of re-creation and restoration.

"If you cart away the rubbish and take into account the original theme it will be a great improvement."

The environmental implications of the site have led the company to commission a variety of expert reports including ecology, archaeology, hydrological impact, highways issues and historical background of the site.

Mr Weaver said: "We have been researching this for a year and consulted various people before we felt we had a scheme that was worthy of a plan.

"We are proud to be involved in this project because we feel there are so many benefits which will come from this for the area.

"Every angle has been looked at. It is a model for how developments should be approached. It is not a proposal that is going to provide something of nothing."

Historically, the area, which is on a flood plain and is rich in wildlife, has flooded so Maple-croft is planning to raise the ground where the homes will be built and create a natural meadow and wildlife area in the plan.

The site is currently earmarked for industrial use and Mr Weaver said the development would create less traffic than if it reverted back to its former use.

Mr Weaver said the company had positive feedback when it presented its plans to the village in June. They have now been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Architect William Bertram said the scheme would respect and reinforce the history of the area.

He said: "The buildings will be re-created, not in some snap-shot of time but as a 'spread' over time, with buildings fitted out as houses, flats and workplaces all raised above flood levels.

"The aim is produce a group of buildings which will form an elegant hamlet in its own right set between the villages of Westwood and Freshford."