Concerns raised over future of historic linen mill in Lisburn
There have been calls to protect the historic Hilden Mill in Lisburn following a planning application to demolish most of the site.
It's now earmarked for around 200 homes by developers but fears are growing that the history of the linen mill will be forgotten.
The developers are now seeking permission to demolish all but two of the remaining structures at the site.
They are hoping that the remaining two buildings could be kept and redeveloped for community use.
Linen production started at Hilden over 200 years ago.
The mill produced linen thread which was used to stitch war time parachutes, uniforms and boots.
The factory became known as one of the biggest linen manufacturers in the world in 1914 where the site had around 2,000 workers.
Since it was abandoned in 2006, the 24 acre site has been vandalised and targeted in arson attacks.
Independent councillor, Gary Hynds said demolishing the whole site solely for housing is a missed opportunity to preserve the history.
Mr Hynds told UTV: 'We are in a housing crisis and I totally get that … I support the idea of a certain element of housing for the area but I think knocking down the majority of the buildings is a bit lazy.'
Earlier this month, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council's regeneration committee agreed a motion brought by Councillor Hynds to explore funding sources for restoration and adaptive use of Hilden Mill.
He said: 'My notice of motion is a call to arms, a plea to save Hilden Mill, whether through private partnership or bold public takeover, and it's time we all took responsibility, from this council chamber to the halls of the Northern Ireland Executive."
In a statement a spokesperson from the developers said: "PJK have spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on security on the site...it is effectively impossible to keep secure and an enquiry to the local police will confirm that any efforts to avoid vandalism and unauthorised entry is next to impossible."
"If we cannot resolve this situation, as far as I can see, the future will simply be that the buildings themselves will be secured as best we can and left to deteriorate even further."
"Furthermore, the current Listed Building Consent Application specifically excludes the 2 buildings at the front of the site, which appears to have the support of the local community, if the application is refused and the site left as it is, then this opportunity would be lost. "
"I will be prepared to attend a Planning Committee meeting or a full council meeting to explain the situation and various implications of doing nothing in respect of the future of the site."
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