Vale Mill added to protected building register as grade B

The 19th-century mill has instead been added to the protected building register, where it was given the lower classification of grade B.

The change took place at the start of this month.

A summary of the special interest of the property notes that it is a typical example of a mid-19th century stone tower mill, although it is rare in the Guernsey context.

‘Good survival of external fabric and fenestration pattern, although the interior has been substantially altered, especially during the Occupation, which adds to its interest,’ the document states.

‘It forms a landmark when viewed locally and from many areas on the island and from the sea and thus contributes highly to the setting and landscape of the immediate vicinity and beyond.

‘It has association with the island’s agricultural past, as well as the impact the occupying forces had on some of Guernsey’s historic buildings.’

The property was purchased by Vale Mill Ltd directors Roger Perrot and Richard Ridout in 2008 for £57,000. They did not wish to comment on the change.

It was added to the protected monument list in 2009.

The owners were granted planning permission in 2015, when the building was still a protected monument, to convert the structure into a house.

It was planned that a curved staircase would provide access to a first-floor living room, second floor kitchen/dining, third and fourth floor bedrooms, with two observation decks above served by ladder access. As of July this year, the project had started but not been completed.

A protected monument is a monument, structure, cave, ruin or remain. However, under the current rules it cannot be a building.

There are around 350 protected monuments on the island, which includes structures such as statues, fortifications and menhirs.

Protected buildings are protected for their special historic, architectural or traditional interest.

A Planning Services spokesman said they needed to ensure that the island’s heritage is proportionately protected.

‘Vale Mill was assessed against the principles and criteria [published by the department] and did not have sufficiently high special interest to be a protected monument, but does have enough interest to be protected building,’ he said.

‘Protected buildings have a high level of protection and the aim is to sustain their special interest wherever possible, whilst allowing works/alterations to be carried out.

‘Protected building status is proportionate to protect the special interest of Vale Mill.’