CONTROVERSIAL plans to redevelop a village mill look set to be finally approved.

Plans to develop Spenbrook Mill in Spenbrook Road into a housing complex with 28 properties will be considered at Thursday’s Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee meeting.

A similar scheme from developers Ingham and Keers has already been refused once, with a subsequent appeal also rejected by the planning inspectorate due to the impact it would have on the area.

But the Briercliffe-based developers have submitted a second application, for 28 houses instead of 30.

Planning officers at Pendle Council are recommending the fresh plans for approval.

Kathryn Hughes, Pendle Council planning officer, said: “The recent decision notice issued by the planning inspectorate states that the previously proposed development would have many economic, social and environmental benefits, and that there was much to commend the scheme.

“It would contribute to meeting housing need and would assist in sustaining a rural community and would cause no harm other than to local distinctiveness and to the landscape of the AONB.

“The scheme as proposed, with appropriate conditions, would protect the landscape and the AONB to an acceptable degree and protect the character of the conservation area to meet the requirements of exceptional circumstances in this instance.”

Last month Bill Mayor quit as chairman of Goldshaw Booth Parish Council in a row with residents and other councillors over the future of the historic mill.