CIVIC chiefs are being urged to approve plans to replace an "unsafe" fire escape at a listed building on the western shores of Southampton Water.

The Manor of Cadland has submitted an application relating to Ashlett Mill, which was used to produce flour before becoming the Esso Ashlett Recreation Club.

Consent is being sought to replace an external staircase at the 205-year-old mill.

A design and access statement that forms part of the application says the building was a social club until two years ago.

The timber-framed mill was built in 1816, replacing an earlier facility. An inscription on the south wall refers to Thomas Barney, of Beaulieu, who owned the mill along with Ashlett's saltworks during the early 19th century.

Salt production was eventually replaced by milling as the area's main industry.

Flat-bottomed barges were used to carry corn to Ashlett and take flour away. Victoria Quay was built in 1887 to celebrate the queen's golden diamond jubilee as well as making it easier to load and unload the barges.

The mill, which overlooks the entrance to Ashlett Creek, continued to operate until around 1910.

Now the Manor of Cadland has applied for permission to replace an external fire escape, which planning documents describe as unsafe.

The design and access statement adds: "The stair construction is in a state of disrepair due to the structural elements failing.

"To resolve this problem the proposed scheme is looking to install a prefabricated staircase that is self-supporting. It is felt a metal staircase painted in matt black would reflect the historic nature of the building."

The proposal is outlined in a public notice published by New Forest District Council, which will decide the application.

Other public notices:

Southampton City Council is banning right turns from Brunswick Place into Kings Park Road, and from Kings Park Road into Brunswick Place, from December 1 (10pm-6am) for manhole cover repairs. The works are due to be completed by December 3.

Southampton City Council is closing Grove Road between its junctions with Firgrove Road and Kentish Road from December 7 (8pm-6am) for manhole cover repairs and replacements. The works are due to be completed by December 9.

Day Group Ltd, trading as Day Aggregates, of Crawley Goods Yard, Gabarick Road, Crawley, is applying for permission to keep an extra four goods vehicles at the operating centre at Spitfire Quay, Hazel Road, Southampton.

Vinton Ltd, of Barfoot Road, Hedge End, is applying for permission to add an operating centre to keep four goods vehicles and four trailers at Unit A5B, North Road, Marchwood Industrial Estate, Marchwood.

Clive Joyner, trading as Forest Homes Development, of Merriemeade Parade, Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu, is applying for permission to use Pumpfield Farm, Hythe Road, Marchwood, as an operating centre for two goods vehicles.