A DERELICT former mill site could soon receive a new lease of life under new plans to build 50 homes.

Proposals to clear the old Bridgefield and Britannia Mills in Spring Street in Rishton and replace it with 42 houses and eight apartments have been submitted to Hyndburn Council.

The site is currently in a ‘derelict and partially demolished state’ and would comprise of a mixture of two, three and four bedroom homes and one and two bedroom apartments.

Under the bid, old terraces fronting Spring Street would be demolished and replaced with the eight apartments, while the 42 homes would be built within the site of the former mill.

The street has been branded in the past as the ‘worst in East Lancashire.’

A design and access statement sent to the council said: “In its taming and populating a vacant and derelict site, the proposed development actively contributes towards the reduction of crime within the area in providing a vibrant residential development increasing levels of natural surveillance.

“In addition to this the development enhances the local environment and would contribute towards improving the sites current relationship with local residents.

“The development replaces a derelict and hazardous expanse of land and in doing so positively enhances the surrounding environment. “

The site has lain empty for a number of years and has been the subject of a number of planning applications.

Last year, similar plans to build 50 homes on the site were refused after concerns were raised about flooding and drainage on the site.

While, in 2007, proposals were withdrawn to build thirteen three-bedroom houses, 62 two-bedroom apartments and 62 one bedroom apartments on the site.

A number of arson-hit terraces on Spring Street were demolished in 2011, after firefighters were called out a record of 33 times in just six months at the height of problems on the street.