PLANS for more than 150 homes were refused after the location was deemed unsuitable.

Gleeson Homes had applied to build a large new development on the site of the former Hollins Paper Mill in Darwen.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee heard the area was largely industrial and it was not the best place for a new housing estate.

The meeting was told some of the businesses in the area around the site operate 24/7 and would have caused huge disruption for potential residents.

Regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “There is no logic in building houses where there is noise at all times of the day.

“It looks like an industrial estate, not a housing site by any stretch of the imagination. I would like to encourage Gleeson Homes to bring their enthusiasm forward and look for another site.”

The site, in Hollins Grove Street, Darwen, which was formerly home to Hollins Mill before it was demolished in 2012, would have included 54 two bedroom houses, 89 three bedroom houses and eight four bedroom houses if approved by councillors.

It was estimated the redevelopment of the site would have cost about £20 million.

More than 100 jobs were lost at the site in 2012 after DS Smith Paper Ltd decided to concentrate at its other plants in Devon, Kent and Somerset.

The 19th century mill had manufactured paper since 1845, and was the only manufacturer of high-quality recycled presentation liners in the UK.

It also produced mottle, brown testliners and chip paper.

Last week, the Lancashire Telegraph reported more than £1million was set to be invested in the nearby Crown Paints polymer plant if plans are approved.

The plant is located on Lower Eccleshill Road near the site of the proposed housing development and is part of the Hempel group which has a turnover of £1.5billion.

An application has been submitted for six tanks with equipment and pipes and site entrance.