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02/10/07
A PLAN to save an old mill by converting it into
shops and homes has been welcomed.
Challener Developments has been given planning
permission to revamp the Old Mill, in Station Road,
West Auckland, into three ground-floor shops and 12
flats spread over three storeys. Wear Valley
District Council and West Auckland Parish Council
were keen to save the mill, which is in the village
conservation area and was part of a car showroom
until two years ago. After an plan to knock it down
was withdrawn in 2004, parish councillors and
conservation officers worked with English Heritage
and the developers on ideas for the conversion.
Although the mill has not been accurately dated,
traces of its original use can still be seen.
Records show that West Auckland would have had a
mill since the 12th Century and it may have been on
the same site. Now there are hopes that the
development could encourage other improvements in
the surrounding area.
Wear Valley's development control committee welcomed
the conversion after hearing that the building had
become an eyesore. Councillor Barbara Laurie said:
"This is an extraordinarily ugly building, but it is
a historic building which needs to be preserved. The
plans make it look as good as it could be."
Councillor John Lethbridge said: "It is ugly and it
is an eyesore. The proposals will certainly enhance
the scene." West Auckland councillor Colin Mairs
said: "This will improve the whole area. It is
exactly in keeping." David Townsend, the
council's head of development and building control
said grants may be available towards the cost of the
conversion. He said: "Investment in this building
should be wholeheartedly welcomed as this is a key
building in the Wear Auckland Conservation Area.
"The application site is in dire need of investment.
The building itself is considered to be of
considerable historic interest and is important due
to its physical prominence and its cultural heritage
value."
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05/07/07
- St Helens Fair
The St Helens fair took place
on Saturday 30th June, and was well
attended despite the weather. Attractions for
the day was dancers, children's performers, bouncy
castles, slides, merry go rounds, face painting
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29/06/07 New Bypass Opened By
County Councillor Sonny Douthwaite |
| The Opening of the long waited
bypass was conducted by County Councillor Sonny
Douthwaite and 6 children, 2 from each of our
local schools - St Helens, Oakley Cross and
Copland Road. The event took place on the a688
outside the Oakley Garage. Three Vintage cars were
provided to carry Sonny and Margaret,
and the Children along the bypass immediately after
the opening ceremony.
Bypass Pages now updated.
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| Sonny Recorded a message
for West Auckland and St Helens residents (Sorry
no longer available until the video has been stored
on our own servers and not You Tube). |
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