BELLWEATHER. Town council has deferred a decision on the proposed redevelopment of the former Vale Mill lands, sending the matter back to committee after residents raised questions about the property's ownership history.

The proposal, brought forward by Mercer Developments, would see the long-vacant riverside mill site off Vale Mill Road transformed into a mixed residential and commercial development.

Several residents who addressed council asked for a review of the property's title before any vote, citing a decades-old dispute over the parcel's original conveyance. A representative for the developer said the company was "confident the record is clear" and welcomed further review.

Councillor Graham Vale, who represents the ward, said the deferral was "simply due diligence."

"This is a significant piece of our waterfront," Mr. Vale said. "We owe it to residents to get the paperwork right before we get the shovels out."

The historical land records for the property are held at the Bellweather County Courthouse, where the town has been digitizing its older files (see related coverage). The matter is expected to return to council later this month.