Long-term plans to reuse an historic mill for affordable housing are set for a decision in the new year.

Grade II-listed Loggans Mill in Hayle has been earmarked for redevelopment for some time.

Now a planning application which was first submitted in 2018 is set for a decision by Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee on January 9.

The plans were initially submitted by Coastline Housing, but the applicant is now Cornwall Council.

Under the proposals the council wants to transform the former mill into 16 apartments with all of the properties set to be affordable.

Planning officers have recommended that the plans be approved along with a listed building consent for the changes proposed for the building.

Loggans Mill dates from 1852 and is said to be “very rare in Cornwall in terms of both its size and character and the type of the milling operation that it represents”.

However, the five-storey granite building is said to be in a “poor condition” and earlier this year an exclusion zone was placed around it as there were fears it could collapse.

Following extensive investigations Cornwall Council removed the exclusion zone but the building continues to be supported by extensive scaffolding.

Under the plans there will be minimal changes to the building itself with most of the alterations taking place inside.

A report going to the planning committee states: “The building is in a poor state of repair and has been structurally stabilised with the use of permanent scaffolding.

“The building has been on the Heritage at Risk register for some time.

“Whilst a residential use does not retain the integrity and authenticity of the industrial use of the site, it allows the restoration, occupation and maintenance of this iconic building.”

The planning application has received “strong” support from Hayle Town Council and is also supported by Cornwall Council’s affordable housing team.

The application seeks to create eight one-bedroom flats and eight two-bedroom flats in the mill. The planning report adds: “In terms of benefits, whilst noting the housing land supply position, there is an identified need for affordable housing within Hayle and the proposal would contribute 16 units towards that identified need.

“Furthermore, there would be economic benefits associated with the proposal in terms of employment opportunities during the construction phase and through the spend of future occupants within local businesses.

“The proposed works would result in an overall positive impact upon this Grade II listed heritage asset, bringing a currently dilapidated ruinous building back into use and thus ensuring the preservation and long-term maintenance of the site.”

Members of Cornwall Council’s west sub-area planning committee will consider the application when it next meets on January 9 in Camborne at 10am.