CLOVER Croft Mill in Higham could be transformed in to a housing development if councillors give the idea the thumbs-up on Thursday.

Outline permission to build 13 flats and redevelop the whole site, which was used by Winchester Furniture, was refused in March 2000 as being inappropriate in such a central location next to a conservation area.

The current application is in two parts -- the first to demolish the greater part of the factory and the second to convert the reduced mill in to 13 two-bedroom flats and build 19 houses in three blocks.

Clover Croft is on the edge of the conservation area and adjoins the Four Alls Public House and Jackson Fold, which are both listed buildings.

After a discussion with the council's conservation officer, the agent submitted amended plans which retained part of the historic mill for flats and provided a layout of terraced blocks and semi-detached houses the style of which he said would integrate with the mill structure.

The council planning department recommended approval of the demolition stating that the loss of the shed, water tank and other structures were not crucial to the integrity of the site. They also recommended approval of the development plans subject to 12 conditions relating to the control of boundary walls, gates, landscaping and paintwork details.