PROPOSALS to build 10 detached homes at a prominent East Lancashire mill have been given the go ahead after a promise to relocate 40 jobs.

The scheme will go ahead once the two firms using the premises find a new home.

The project to develop the site of Syke Mill in Belthorn was approved by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Planning Committee.

Its members were assured that the council and owners C and P Properties would work together to relocate the current occupants before any demolition.

The mill is currently let to UK Insulations and Sleeve It Ltd who employ 40 workers.

Under the scheme, likely to begin in two years, 10 high-quality three and four-bedroomed homes would be built on a new cul-de-sac.

The committee debated the application after seven nearby residents wrote in to object to the scheme on grounds of potential traffic congestion on Belthorn road and around Guide and concerns that the ‘brownfield’ site was actually part of the ‘Green Belt’ of protected countryside.

Barbara Heffernan, of Belthorn Road, wrote to object, expressing fears that this development would be the first of many.

Diane Holden warned councillors she too feared over-development of Belthorn and increased demand for places on the the village school.

Planning officer Gavin Prescott told councillors it was already in use as an industrial site and residential development would be more appropriate to the location.

He revealed that the council, the site owners and the two firms had come to an agreement to relocate the two companies and their workforce within Blackburn with Darwen borough before demolition begins.

Committee chairman Dave Smith supported the proposal saying: “I think this would be an improvement to the area. With the proposed relocation of the two firms, it could even bring more jobs to the borough.”

Andrew Walker, from The Planning and Development Network in Roughlee, said: “This is just an outline application and we will work with local residents to meet their concerns.”