RESIDENTS in Rishton are being given one final chance to air their views about ambitious plans to develop the canalside.

Designers have drawn up multi-million pound plans for the stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool canal running from the end of Bridge Street to the high street.

The council's vision of the area includes former mill sites being transformed into new neighbourhoods with a range of housing.

New shops and services are planned to extend the town's high street, with a new park complete with benches and artwork is also due to be built.

Landscaping and public realm works will also be carried out along the canal towpath.

A draft document detailing how the area will develop over the next 15 to 20 years has now been drawn up, and will be adopted after the consultation ends in September.

Chief planning and transportation officer, Simon Prideaux, said: "A wide range of people and organisations have been involved in the evolution of the SPD (Supplementary Planning Document) to this point. Two main consultation events have been undertaken. Events were widely publicised in the local area via a combination of letters, leaflet drops, posters, and press releases.

"The next stage is to undertake a statutory consultation period on the draft report in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Regulations.

"Following this, any comments received will be considered, relevant modifications made, and the SPD will be recommended for adoption by officers.

"Once adopted, it can be a material planning consideration in the determination of any planning applications in the canalside area."

One of the key issues in the redevelopment project will be the derelict and demolished Britannia Mill site at the end of Bridge Street.

The SPD, drawn up by Barton Willmore on behalf of the council, said: "The objectives are to uplift and regenerate this area of Rishton through the development of derelict and under-used sites.

"A range of housing that meets the requirements of the ageing population of Rishton will provide choice and allow movement within the local housing market and allow young and old to stay in Rishton.

"Some additional mixed-use development provides the community with additional shops and services, extending and contributing to a vibrant High Street."

The draft document can be viewed at Rishton Library, in High Street, at Scaitcliffe House in Ormerod Street, Accrington, and online at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/rishtonspd from Friday, August 14 for four weeks.

Comments can be emailed to planning@hyndburnbc.gov.uk or sent to Plans and Environment, Scaitcliffe House, Ormerod Street, Accrington, BB5 0PF.

They should arrive before 5pm on Friday, September 11.