A housing developer is celebrating after plans to convert the historic Viney Bridge Mill in Somerset into 46 homes have been approved. The former mill, located just off A356 South Street in Crewkerne, was sold at auction in May 2022 and had been threatened with demolition for more than a decade.
Tommy Tobin-Webster of Viney Bridge Mills Heritage Ltd. submitted the application in December 2023 to redevelop the site, which will include 46 properties. After enduring multiple delays, partly due to the ongoing phosphates crisis impacting construction approvals, Somerset Council has finally granted permission. This paves the way for construction to commence early next year.
Situated between Station Road and Weavers Close, the site neighbors the Wool Gardens development by Taylor Wimpey, a larger project that will deliver 635 homes and commercial spaces on Crewkerne’s eastern edge.
READ MORE: Plans for 18 ‘Cramped and Awkward’ Homes in Somerset Town Rejected by Inspectors
READ MORE: Frome’s Safer School Streets Scheme Made Permanent for Lasting Child Safety
The redevelopment plans include converting and renovating the existing mill buildings into 30 dwellings. An additional 16 homes will be created through partial demolition of ancillary structures on the grounds. Most homes will be spacious three- and four-bedroom houses accessed via a new bridge on Weavers Ridge. Amenities include 77 car parking spaces and 46 cycle spaces throughout the development.
Crucially, the existing public right of way onto Kithill, which runs adjacent to the site’s southern and western borders, will remain unobstructed.
Kay Elliott Architect, representing the applicant, stated: “Repurposing Viney Bridge Mill presents an opportunity to create a distinctive community inspired by the site’s rich industrial heritage and natural surroundings. The design aims to seamlessly blend old and new—transforming industrial spaces into comfortable homes with a thoughtful material palette that respects the site’s unique character.”
Given Crewkerne’s location within the River Parrett catchment, developers must mitigate any increase in phosphate levels on the Somerset Levels and Moors. To address this, the developer will plant new woodland and let agricultural land lie fallow over the next five years, alongside purchasing temporary phosphate credits for the initial phases.
With anticipated substantial housing growth along Crewkerne’s southern edge, concerns remain that the town could eventually merge with the nearby village of Misterton, where the local railway station is located. In addition to Viney Bridge Mill and Wool Gardens, Place Land LLP is seeking approval for 325 homes opposite the railway station, which would include a transport hub and expanded parking for commuters. Also, an appeal for 145 homes on Maple Grove, Lang Road, awaits a decision expected before Christmas.
The Old Viney Bridge Mill project was approved by the council’s planning officers under delegated powers rather than a public committee vote. Planning officer Michael Lowe remarked, “This development represents sustainable growth and significantly contributes to protecting heritage assets.”
Kelly Burns, senior associate solicitor at Tozers law firm, expressed gratitude to the planning team, saying, “You can now pop the champers as we are complete.”
Construction on the new homes is projected to begin by summer 2026.