THE owner of a historic factory site has 14 days to explain how it plans to carry save one of the main buildings from deteriorating further.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has served an Urgent Works Notice on Mancraft Ltd, primary owner of Wellington’s Grade II* listed Tonedale Mill.

The notice has been issued under Section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to prevent further deterioration to Block H in the mill's East Complex.

One of the best-preserved examples of its kind, Tonedale Mill was the largest textile manufacturing site in the region, producing twill fabrics such as serge and khaki cloth and puttees for the army in the First World War.

Much of the early 19th century mill remains, but many privately-owned buildings have fallen into disrepair and are on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register.

Although previous statutory notices have been served, many of their requirements have not been fully complied with by Mancraft Ltd.

Previous actions have included an Urgent Works Notice (Section 54 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990) in spring 2018 for Tonedale House; a Section 215 Notice (Town and Country Planning Act 1990) in early 2020; an Enforcement Notice (Section 172 Town and County Planning Act 1990) in summer 2018 regarding unauthorised caravans; and three Repairs Notices (Section 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990) in June 2020 ahead of a potential compulsory purchase of the site.

Mancraft Ltd now has 14 days to demonstrate it intends to start the urgent repair works without delay.

SWT executive member for planning Cllr Mike Rigby said: “Historic buildings add significant value to the character of our built environment and the preservation of the nationally important buildings at Tonedale Mill remains a priority for us.

“Unfortunately, the listed buildings have been allowed to deteriorate over many years due to inaction on the part of the current owners, and we were obliged to serve a number of statutory notices requiring repairs.

“We’ve now served a further Urgent Works Notice requiring essential repairs to be carried out to Block H, which is a prominent and historically important building within the larger Tonedale Mills site.

“I sincerely hope this latest course of action motivates Mancraft Ltd to complete the works specified within the next two weeks.

“Should they fail to comply, we have the power to undertake the works directly in default, the cost of which can be reclaimed from the owners.”