PLANS to build 42 houses and eight apartments at a derelict former mill site in Rishton have been given to go-ahead.

Hyndburn Council planning committee unanimously agreed to the proposals from Mr J Emmanuel for the former Britannia Mill site in Spring Street.

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

As part of the plans £5,000 will also be spent to improve the nearby toe path next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Cllr Bernard Dawson, who sites on the planning committee, said: "Rishton is changing.

"This is what people wanted."

Cllr Judith Addison said: "I would welcome the plans and think its a good idea."

The site will comprise of a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes and one and two-bedroom apartments.

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

The remains of the mill will first be demolished and cleared as part of the plans.