PLANS to transform a significant but crumbling historic factory building have been given the green light.

Tail Mill in Merriott will be turned into 23 homes with an additional 22 new homes on the site.

As part of the plans, developers Zero C will breathe new life into the area by decontaminating the mill pond and restoring the old mill buildings.

Councillors sitting on South Somerset District Council's Area West committee unanimously approved the latest planning application for the site which has been the subject of redevelopment aspirations for many years.

Assurances were sought by councillors, including Cllr Ric Pallister, that the phasing of the scheme would mean that the heritage buildings are not left behind in favour of the new-builds.

The site dates back to as early as the 13th Century when it was used as a corn and grist mill and has undergone various changes of use from sailcloth manufacturing through to munitions and plastic moulding.

It has been agreed that a bollard will be introduced to the west of Tail Mill Lane to prevent a rat run from the A356 to the village.

In her report to the committee, planning case officer Linda Hayden said: “This site has a lengthy history of permissions for conversions and new building dwellings which unfortunately have never been implemented.

“The relocation of the business from the site has left the buildings to deteriorate and whilst it is possible to secure appropriate maintenance it is also important to find a suitable re-use for the buildings.

“The proposed new dwellings are considered to be well designed and will make an appropriate contribution to the conservation area.”

Lee Slade, the agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: “We are very excited to be taking it forward. If work does not start soon we risk losing the historic buildings forever.

“If granted, we will look to be on site at the earliest opportunity this year and bring this once industrious area back to life.”

During the public forum, Tail Mill Lane resident James Dore said: “We welcome the application; the site has been falling into disrepair and it's a bit of an eye-sore.

“As long as it is sensitively done, which it seems to be, then we have no problems.

“We would like to see something in regards to benefits for the village. We have lost the nursery, the King's Head pub, and the fish and chip shop. Merriott as a village - if you can even call it a village anymore - is struggling.”

Cllr Ric Pallister said: “It's a hell of a price we are paying; 147 bed spaces with no contributions at all.

“But we have been around this one for a number of times and we have confidence in Zero C.

“Houses like this are very desirable and I think will fetch an awful lot more money than we think they will. I just want to see those buildings back.”