COMMUNITY involvement is being put at the heart of plans to redevelop Freshford Mill into housing, according to developers Environ Communities as work gets underway.

The 4.77-acre site was left derelict for several years and in that time, the vacant area attracted squatters, vandalism and a rave.

But now, developers are hoping to include the views of the community and parish council in the plans that will see the Mill converted into 21 houses, which will have between two to five bedrooms.

Environ is hoping that due to the picturesque scenery of the location in the Cotswolds, people will take up the rare opportunity to buy into an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The new houses will be developed and then sold for between £700,000 and £1.6m with all properties having access to their own private outdoor space, whether balconies over the river or lake, or gardens, designed by award winning landscape designer Julie Johnson.

The project is being led by Turleigh man Tony Dowse. He said: “The significance of Freshford Mill to the growth and history of Freshford is absolutely fundamental. Not only does the mill have fundamental links to the village but it is also an eyesore as it stands at the moment.”

Freshford Mill is an important historic building as it played an prominent role in the development of the village during the 14th and 15th centuries.

In 2005, a Roman key was found buried on the site, suggesting that the grounds had been occupied thousands of years before the industrial revolution.

In order to preserve its heritage, developers will be working closely with the Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES), Freshford Parish Council and neighbours throughout the project.

Nick Stevens, chairman of Freshford Parish Council, said they are delighted that an opportunity now exists for the Mill to be improved.

He added: “We look forward to working alongside Environ and wholly support the wish of the company to work in close collaboration with local residents. In this way we are all able to contribute to the process and it should go a long way towards ensuring that the finished development quickly becomes an integral part of the village and one of which we can all be proud.”