Mill owners blast council

Published 11 Jun 2010 12:06 2 Comments

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EXCLUSIVE by Jennifer Black

THE owner of the Paton's Mill has blasted Renfrewshire Council over claims they failed to let his company develop the historic site.

Managing director of GWM Developments John Walsh has spoken about his frustration and anger towards the council since taking over the site five years ago.

And the claims have turned into a war of words between planning chiefs and the owners after the mill was burnt to the ground last week.

Several planning proposals were submitted to the council but never made it to the planning application stage.

John Walsh said: "We have 12 different proposals to move forward and invest in the property but they have fallen at every single stage.

"There's an arrogance about this that goes beyond belief - they are trying to say we didn't do anything but it is quite the opposite - we engaged with them a lot and they obviously have not engaged back with ourselves."

However Renfrewshire Council hit back at the claims stating that the company did receive feedback on drawings that were submitted but no planning application has been received in the last four years.

GWM Developments who are based in Ireland have met with officials in the council to discuss viable proposals for the derelict site - including social housing, a supermarket and a nursing home.

John claims he has not had any contact with Renfrewshire Council since their last meeting in September.

He said: "They said we are in communication with the owners when they are clearly not.

"We just want to get on with it but it doesn't help when council officials are continuing to put obstacles up.

"My next move is to seek legal advice."

GWM previously spent over £80,000 a year on site security but the recession saw them get into financial trouble and they had to stop the security last year.

Their Scottish representative John Kirkhope has been working on a range of schemes over the last five years.

He said: "We are very disappointed and frustrated that all our efforts have gone without assistance and comment, especially in the past year."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson responded: "At no time has the council delayed any matter affecting Paton's Mill and we have communicated regularly with Mr Walsh and his appointed representatives.

"There was also a lack of adequate security on a historic listed building whose fabric decayed and which has now been largely destroyed by two fires and numerous break-ins.

"We have also had to deal with the impact of repeated damage to the building."

Renfrewshire Council also claim that Mr Walsh owes them an unpaid debt of £30,000 for emergency works to the mill. The spokesperson continued: "As for writing to Mr Walsh, we have contacted him at the several addresses he gave us.

"Overall, Mr Walsh was fully aware of our concerns and approach throughout a period where the building declined and has sadly now been virtually destroyed."

A police spokesperson has confirmed investigation into last Monday's fire is in the early stages but they are following a positive line of enquiry.

This article appeared in The Gazette 09 Jun 10

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bobby m
Unregistered User
Jun 11, 13:43
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whole thing sounds pure dodgy to me

someones tryng to pull a fast one.

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Hazelkaye
Unregistered User
Jun 12, 18:45
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Exactly Bobby M!

What's insurance money, especially when a listed building is (burned) at (the) stake?

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