Ditherington Flax Mill site designs viewed

The latest designs for the future of a historic Shropshire mill site have been put on display to the public.

Built in 1797, the Ditherington Flax Mill was the world's first iron-framed building and has been derelict for more than 20 years.

Plans have been discussed to develop the English Heritage-owned site to provide employment, housing, social and leisure opportunities.

The plans will be on show at the Flax Mill on Friday and Saturday.

Planning and listed building applications were due to be submitted in July and it was hoped funding will be secured in time to allow work to start next year.

Various possible sources of funding were being explored for the development, including Heritage Lottery Funding.

The Ditherington Flax Mill was used to process flax for 100 years before being converted into a maltings.

The mill was built around an iron frame in a technique adapted in the rebuilding of Chicago in the late 19th Century and for skyscrapers such as New York's Empire State Building.

English Heritage and architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios have been working together with support from Shropshire Council, English Heritage, Advantage West Midlands and the Homes and Communities Agency.