A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish an historic mill in Burnley town centre could be voted through tomorrow.

The proposal for the collection of buildings in Hammerton Street, which date back to the 19th century, could be replaced with a retail unit if Burnley councillors approve the scheme.

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The potential move has caused outrage among conservationists despite the site, which neighbours the town’s crown court, being branded as an eyesore.

The buildings include a former handloom weavers dwelling as well as a former saw mill and chimney dating back to the 1800s.

Burnley Building Supplies was the last business to occupy the site before the company folded a number of years ago.

In a letter to the council, a spokesman for Historic England said: “The buildings relate to the industrial development of the town and are an important component of the Canalside Conservation Area, which is one of the finest surviving industrial landscapes in the country.

“Their loss and replacement with a retail shed with parking would cause unjustified harm to the conservation area and to the setting of the Grade II-listed chapel at 79 Hammerton Street.

“The area has both local and national significance, being one of the finest surviving industrial landscapes in the country.

“The loss of such buildings undermines the coherence and integrity of historic areas and diminishes the range of buildings which are representative of the evolution of the area.”

A spokesman for The Victorian Society said: “We object to the proposal as it would entail the loss of a locally significant historic complex and would harm the character and significance of the Canalside Conservation Area in which the buildings stand.

“Burnley’s Canalside Conservation Area designates an area that is now widely regarded as being amongst the most important surviving industrial landscapes in the country.

“We remain convinced that the present state of the buildings should allow them to be repaired and reused.”

Councillor Howard Baker, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said: “At the moment the buildings are an eyesore.

“Something needs to be done with them whatever happens at the meeting.

“I have full confidence that the committee will make the most appropriate decision regarding the future of the mill.”