A Look At Bitton Mill And Its History As The Development Nears Completion
29 Sep 2020

As Linden Homes’ popular Bitton Mill development in Bitton nears completion – with only two homes available to buy – we look back at how the site has changed over the years…As Linden Homes’ popular Bitton Mill development in Bitton nears completion – with only two homes available to buy – we look back at how the site has changed over the years…

A bit of history on the former Golden Valley Mill

In the 1760s, a former battery mill that produced brass and copper goods was housed on the brownfield site. It was converted into a paper mill and an iron foundry, before seats were manufactured out of moulded wood pulp for Morris cars and plastic fittings were produced for the automotive industry. 

Production ceased in 2006 and the industrial site was left derelict before planning permission was granted in 2016 for the development of 113 new homes, together with the change of use of the gatehouse and canteen.

Some interesting facts about Bitton Mill

• Demolition of the derelict buildings began in August 2016 and work on the first homes started in May 2017.
• The site needed to be raised and levelled, which involved 9,000 truckloads of soil, that’s 55,000m3, equating to 50 trucks per day!
• There are 17 bat species in the UK and 11 were found at the Bitton Mill site. In response to this, a suitable bat house was built to accommodate the diverse range of bats.
• As part of the development, a total of £1,088,897 is being donated to the local community in s106 contributions, including Highways and travel, parks and open spaces and the community infrastructure levy. 
• The site is steeped in history - part of the weighbridge has been salvaged and has become a permanent feature near the entrance and an information board will be erected acknowledging its heritage. 
• Situated on the east bank of the River Boyd, Bitton Mill provides the best of both worlds. There’s village living (a resident has found 12 pubs within walking distance and enjoys foraging for local blackberries, chestnuts, sloes and plums) but the development also offers easy access to Bath, just six miles away and Bristol, seven miles from the city centre.

Sue Scholfield, sales and marketing director at Linden Homes, said: “Linden Homes has created quality new homes in Bitton, sensitively designed to reflect the local vernacular, whilst drawing on the site’s industrial heritage. The homes are contemporary and characterful, with red engineering brick and dark stone used to pay homage to its past. 

“Not only does Bitton have a rich history, but it has a strong community spirit, which we have supported. We have donated money towards The Meadows Primary School’s play equipment and sponsored the youth team at Bitton AFC. We have created a time capsule with the local school and Bitton Parish History Group, which is placed on site for future generations to discover. Plus, local residents and new homeowners at Bitton Mill have been incredibly supportive in our fundraising efforts over the years – collecting food items for local foodbanks and pet food, bedding and toys for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary. There’s real community spirit here.”

Marlene from the Bitton Parish History Group added: “The Bitton Parish History Group has held talks on the village for new residents to understand more about its past and the clubs available, and Linden Homes has spoken in the school assembly about the history of the site.

“I find Bitton fascinating and it’s so interesting to see how the land has changed over the years –  previously housing a former brass and paper mill, and then manufacturing car seats. It was sad to see the site derelict for many years and we’re pleased to be helping the new residents learn more about the village. We’ve been delighted to be involved, especially with the school time capsule, and it’s been great to work with some budding new historians!”

Sue finished: “It’s been wonderful to see Bitton Mill take shape and we’re incredibly proud of the development and how well it’s been received – it’s been an incredible project to work on.”

Bitton Mill features a range of terraced, semi-detached and detached house styles to suit a range of different needs and budgets, from two to five bedroom properties.

To book an appointment, contact the sales team on 0117 3211 216 and you can visit here for more details and to view a customer’s testimonial.

-ENDS-

Contact:
Emma Mackay, Linden Homes, 077383 12960; emma.mackay@lindenhomes.co.uk