A LANDMARK Blackburn mill will be demolished by the end of summer after plans were given the green light.

The Sappi paper mill, in Livesey Branch Road, Feniscowles, all outbuildings, tanks, and enclosures, including a Scottish Power power station, will be reduced to “slab level”, to allow for regeneration of the site.

Global asset management and advisory firm Black Pearl Capital Partners (BPCP) acquired the 118-acre site after it closed in 2008, with the loss of around 120 jobs.

After Blackburn with Darwen Council gave the nod to the work, Lee Demolition Ltd’s excavators, with metal cutting shears, will now move onto the site, and will use hot cutting where needed.

Foundations will be removed to ensure that the ground is level. It is expected that work will be completed by August 15.

Coun Derek Hardman, who represents the area, said it was “sad to see the site go”, but the community were now keen to see sustainable development.

In December, BPCP announced it was looking at two different possibilities for the site that would create a ‘large number’ of jobs locally.

Reza Irani-Kermani, chief executive of BPCP, said proposals could include new homes, as well as a renewable power generation facility.

It is thought the renewable energy park would be similar to one the firm operates in Castleford, Yorkshire, focusing on biomass power, water treatment, and bio-fuels production.

Coun Alan Cottam said he had seen a pre-planning application for 350 houses along existing access routes into the site, and that it would also be suitable for light industry, though “nothing concrete” had been discussed.

Coun Hardman said: “We’re all a little bit in the dark over the plans for the site, and we’re waiting to hear what BPCP come up with.

“But anything they do suggest will have to go out to public consultation first, as it would be a large-scale development.

“It’s been empty for some time, and it would be good to see an industrial development bringing some jobs into the area.

“But overall, we need a sustainable development.”