THE future of a site which was at the centre of a controversial planning battle is on the lips of residents in Bishop’s Waltham once more.

As reported in the Chronicle Sainsbury's fought and lost in its campaign to open a new supermarket at Abbey Mill.

Now the future of the site is unclear as it was previously being marketed by Savills, for an undisclosed multi-million pound sum.

Hundreds of people in the town have responded to a survey by Bishop's Waltham Parish Council about how the mill and its surrounding flood plains could be restored.

Nearly 500 people took part in the survey, where they were asked if they want the mill restored or demolished.

Many were in favour of keeping the building and 51 per cent were "strongly" in favour of restoration, and 31 per cent said they would "prefer" to see it restored.

Many people said they want it to be used by the community either as a heritage or tourist centre.

More than half who responded also said they were prepared to be part of assisting in preserving the mill either through financial contributions or volunteering.

The survey will now go to the new owners of the Abbey Mill site who have not yet been announced.

It is hoped there will be a feasibility study into the site. Trish Simpson-Davis is currently co-ordinating the informal Abbey Mill Future group.

Mrs Simpson-Davis said: "This would be an ambitious and expensive community project.

“And we have to be sure it’s worth it for Bishop’s Waltham as a whole. We are only too aware that the Abbey Mill needs an economically sustainable long-term future, and that a development must increase footfall in the High Street.

"That means a feasibility study is the logical next step, before making any binding decisions to go forward or demolish.

"As soon as we know more about the buyer’s plans, we’ll be asking the council to set up a local partnership, if that’s the appropriate move.”