A FORMER cotton mill in Burnley could be demolished if new plans are given the go-ahead.

The former Queens Mill, in Elm Street, Daneshouse, which dates back to the late 1880s, has been singled out for redevelopment by Great Places Housing.

Bosses at the Manchester firm say that 18 affordable homes can be constructed if the building, located between terraced houses in Elm Street and Spencer Street, is pulled down.

Until recently the premises, also bordered by Cameron Street and New Hall Street, have been used for storage by bed manufacturer Sweet Dreams, which has been redeveloping its own site in Colne Road.

The current mill could not be converted into a residential scheme in terms of either financial viability or design.

Consequently as part of this application it is proposed to completely demolish and existing sub-station to allow a new vibrant housing scheme to increase permeability in the area and play a part in its continuing regeneration.

Agents say that the site was also identified for redevelopment in the 2005 council masterplan for Danes- house, Stoneyholme and Duke Bar.

Included in the proposals are two four-bedrooom properties, 10 three-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom properties, with space for 34 cars.

Following talks with county council highways engineers, the layout will include parking bays and landscaping, similar to new housing nearby.

An old planning permission was secured for the same site in 2008 but was never taken forward by developers, council officials have been told.