Plan for 58 homes at site of deadly mill explosion
BBCPlans have been submitted for an industrial development and up to 58 homes on the site of a former wood flour mill, where four people died in a devastating explosion.
Derek Moore, Dorothy Bailey, William Barks and Jason Shingler, who all worked on the site, lost their lives in the explosion and fire which ripped through the mill in Bosley, near Macclesfield, Cheshire, in July 2015.
"This awful event deeply affected the village, industry and surrounding communities," a planning statement by consultancy firm, AshtonHale said.
"As such, the applicant is aware that any future redevelopment requires sensitivity and careful consideration," the planning statement said.
Boden and Davies Ltd is seeking full planning permission to knock down some buildings at the site, as well as erecting or improving others, and outline permission for the homes as well as a community development and memorial.
"The proposals present an opportunity to bring forward a high-quality, well-considered redevelopment," the firm's statement added.
The planned development would be next to the River Dane and Macclesfield Canal, and near the grade-two listed Lymford Bridge, as well as the Macclesfield Canal Conservation Area.
It would keep existing employment on the site and provide additional floorspace for industrial use, the applicants said.
The housing, meanwhile, would make a contribution to the area' housing needs.
The proposals include 11 flats and 47 houses, ranging in size from two to four bedrooms.
Following feedback from the local community, the number of homes put forward has been reduced from the initial total of 70.
People have until 11 November to comment to Cheshire East Council on the proposals.
This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.
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