Plans to refurbish and convert the interior of the historic Loggans Mill building in Hayle, Cornwall, have been approved.

The plans will provide 16 rented homes for local people.

The scheme will provide eight one bedroom and eight two bedroom flats to meet local affordable housing need.

Originally constructed in 1852, the five-storey granite corn mill is in poor condition and is currently covered in scaffolding. The scheme, led by Cornwall Council, will secure the long-term future of the Grade II listed building subject to securing the necessary grant funding needed. In order to preserve the historic integrity of the building, external alterations are to be kept to a minimum.

"Loggans Mill is one of the most important industrial sites in Hayle," said the council's portfolio holder for housing Olly Monk. "The decision by the planning committee to grant planning approval means we can bring this dilapidated building back into use at the same time as providing much needed accommodation for local people."

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Tackling current housing pressures is a top priority for the Council.  The impact of the Covid pandemic, the reduction in the number of privately rented homes, in part put down to increased demand for holiday accommodation, rising rental costs and the recent general property boom have created a ‘perfect storm’ in the local housing market.  

There are currently 418 applicants on the Homechoice housing register for Hayle.

"We are continuing to take direct action to tackle the serious housing crisis facing the people of Cornwall by providing homes for those that need our help," said Olly Monk. "We all need and deserve somewhere to live and call home. The lack of affordable accommodation is affecting all types of households, including working families, couples and single people. Many people are struggling to find somewhere to live, with an increase in the number of single people sofa surfing and even being forced to consider sleeping rough.

"This scheme is part of a wider Council programme to make better use of redundant Council owned properties and we are looking forward to carrying out similar projects in other properties across Cornwall."

By the end of this financial year, the Council will have provided over 110 new council houses for local households, as well as completing its first modular housing scheme at Old County Hall in Truro for former homeless residents. The number of homes provided by the Council is expected to increase in the next financial year, with new homes at Padstow, West Carclaze and Launceston all expected to come on stream and be available for people to social rent or buy for shared ownership.