A HISTORIC mill could be turned into 45 homes if planning chiefs give plans the go-ahead.

Developer Zero C hopes to turn the empty Tail Mill in Merriott into 45 homes, including 22 new build houses.

In its online plans it says the converted buildings would generate a very different atmosphere but the history of the site would not be lost.

It said: “The buildings at Tail Mill have been under maintained for many years such that many areas are now in a serious state of disrepair.

“Our proposed conversion of the listed buildings will respect the significance of the historic buildings by allowing their history to be understood.”

The proposed development includes two one-bedroom coach houses , six two-bedroom houses , 18 three-bedroom houses, 16 four-bedroom houses and three five-bedroom houses .

The Grade II listed building dates back to the 13th Century when it wa s a corn mill. It was a textile mill from the 1820s until 1929 before being used as a plastics moulding factory from 1938 until a few years ago.

The site has been empty since 2011 and it is expected the development could take three years to complete.

The developer says it believes its plans will maintain and improve the fabric of the buildings and bring them back into viable use.

The parish council will review the plans before South Somerset District Council gives a decision, expected by December 17.