A proposal to take over a 500-year-old Mearns mill and transform it into an historic visitor attraction has been dismissed by planners.
Benholm Mill, near Johnshaven, is an A-listed building that dates back to the 12th century.
It officially shut down as a commercial operation in 1982 following the death of the last miller, and underwent extensive repairs and alterations before being reopened as a heritage attraction in 1993.
The site was operated by a trust alongside Aberdeenshire Council, and catered to community groups and tourists alike – with a particular focus on assisting people with special needs.
However, it shut down in 2014 and ownership was reverted to the local authority, who still own it today.
Following the closure, a group of local residents began plotting to take over the mill in a community asset transfer.
However, an application by the Mill of Benholm Enterprise (MOBE) group, formerly the Mill of Benholm Trust, has been recommended for refusal by Aberdeenshire Council planners.
The group is seeking to carry out vital repairs at the mill and the surrounding site and bring it back into full working order, with a cafe, community events, walks and tours.
MOBE plans to achieve its aims through grants from various organisations, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
But planning officers are concerned the funding will not be sustainable, and have queried other aspects of the business plan.
In a report Stephen Archer, the authority’s director of infrastructure services states: “Throughout their engagement with MOBE, officers have been supportive of the principle of MOBE taking on responsibility for the Mill of Benholm.
“Given that the projected benefits are detailed in the request – which justify the transfer of the asset for the sum of £1 – are dependent upon the business plan, the council would be in breach of its duty to obtain best value until such time as the business plan is demonstrated to be viable.”
The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee next week.
