A HISTORIC Hampshire mill once threatened with demolition by a supermarket chain could now be preserved as part of care home complex.

Abbey Mill in Bishop’s Waltham was earmarked for a Sainsbury’s superstore before hundreds of residents including TV star Amanda Holden mobilised against the scheme, leading the retailer to withdraw its plans in 2015.

Now, new developers look set to build a 66-bed care home on a site.

The plans by Beechcroft Developments would also see the construction 39 assisted living units, 19 family houses and 12 affordable homes.

The original application for the site at Station Road also involves the demolition of the historic Abbey Mill but architects Richard Morton have since stated they will be bringing forward revised proposals which would retain the Victorian building.

At present, Sainsburys still own the site. The supermarket giant shelved its plans for a store, wjhich also included a GP surgery, following a six-year battle which split the market town.

Anti-Sainsbury’s campaigners said the shop would damage trade on the town’s high street and independent businesses, while supporters said the store would give shoppers more4 choice.

Bishop’s Waltham Society is objecting to the current application, as they are concerned about the three and four-storey development damaging the view from Botley Road towards the town.

In a letter to Winchester City Council’s planning department, the society said: “We feel strongly that the inclusion and dominance of three and four storey buildings on the site is unacceptable and could end up irreversibly damaging the unique character of Bishop’s Waltham.”

Other concerns raised by the Society include a lack of variation in the design of the homes and a lack of affordable housing, which is not integrated within the rest of the development.

Tony Kippenberger, chairman of the society, said: “We are naturally pleased that the decision has been made to retain the Abbey Mill after all. It is an important heritage asset for the town.

“But we were disappointed by the inclusion of three and four storey buildings in the plans which could set a dangerous precedent and is contrary to Bishop’s Waltham’s Design Statement. We look forward to seeing the revised plans when they are available.”

Abbey Mill was built in 1862 and from 1902 was run by the Duke Family until it closed. It was then used for offices until sold for redevelopment in 2005 to Sainsburys.