Builders restoring the historic North Mill in Avoncliff are taking the Environmental Agency to the High Court following a dispute with its water licensing department.

Ewan and Steve Earl of S.P.E. Developments Limited bought the mill in 2009. It had been empty since the 1960s, and they planned to use a weir on the River Avon to power the mill’s water wheel.

The builders had hoped to install a turbine in the weir to generate electricity for the site.

These plans were scuppered by the Environment Agency’s water licensing team which gave the water rights to the mill on the other side of the river, despite North Mill being given draft licenses and having a water wheel.

S.P.E Developments is currently awaiting a date for the hearing at the High Court, but the proceedings have slowed down the progress of their site renovation.

An Environmental Agency spokesperson said: “The case is going to judicial review and a date for proceedings has not been set, but of course this is subject to change.”

For more information about the renovation of the mill visit www.north-mill-avoncliff.co.uk.