Proposals to convert the rest of a derelict jute mill and Victorian railway warehouse in Dundee into 54 new homes are set to be considered by city councillors.
Plans have been submitted to turn the disused sports club, formerly a railway warehouse, at Burnside Mill in Lochee into a residential property.
The building’s sister wing has already been converted, with the development of 69 affordable flats at the B-listed former mill in Lochee given the green light in 2020.
Developers are also seeking planning permission from Dundee City Council to remove the existing railway platform and embankment from the site as part of the conversion.
The 54 flats would be for social rent and operated by Hillcrest, a housing association that provides affordable homes.
‘Major change’ required to transform derelict Burnside Mill
A supporting statement for the application notes that “major change” would be required to transform the derelict building into residential use.
“Major change is required to enable a new lease of life of the Burnside Mill; the transformation from a Victorian railway warehouse to flats makes significant demands of the historic structure,” the report explains.
It adds that the most significant will be the removal of the railway embankment, a process already started during the conversion of the site’s neighbouring wing.
The removal has allowed a windowed elevation to the east, and without this the conversion into flats would not be possible, architects say.
Mixed feedback but residents welcome conversion of derelict mill
“The remaining fabric of the Burnside Mill itself is legible and the proposals should maintain the fabric where possible,” the report adds.
The proposals include plans for 33 car parking spaces, four of which are indicated as wheelchair spaces.
As part of the pre-application process, developers sought feedback from the local community in Lochee during engagement events in 2020.
A report said that, among the negative comments received, were questions about the ability of local services like dental practices to cope with an increased population.
Other concerns were raised about the flats overlooking nearby Caledonia Court, similar to the previous application.
However, locals also noted a number of positives, including the development of the derelict building as a positive for the area.
Traffic concerns ‘addressed’
“The concern regarding increased traffic has been addressed as the proposed number of flats has reduced from 69 to 54 flats and hence the associated number of required car parking spaces has resulted.
“The design also includes for secure cycle parking provision and is on a dedicated cycle route which will also help reduce vehicular traffic reliance,” the consultation report notes.
Councillors will decide whether to give the plans a green light in due course, with the public invited to submit comments on the proposals.
