A SMALL Pendle village could be set to double in size after plans for a major redevelopment on a redundant mill were unveiled.

The redevelopment of Spenbrook Mill could see the mill transformed to house offices, a cafe, village shop and post office, a cash machine and a creche.

On the site 30 new homes will also be built, from traditional terraced cottages to large four and five bedroom detached houses.

The chairman of Goldshaw Booth Parish Council, which covers Spenbrook, said residents were town over the plans.

Discussions have been taking place between developers Ingham and Keers and Pendle Council’s planning officers since September 2008, and the latest scheme, for which a planning application was submitted last week, is considered most suitable.

A spokesman for design agent Indigo, on behalf of Ingham and Keers, said: “The proposal seeks to improve the sustainability of Spenbrook village through the provision of new services and small scale employment space.”

The mill was built in 1875 by textile entrepreneur Peter William Reed, and its most recent use was the base of carpet manufacturer Powall and Sons, who left the mill in 2006.

Bill Mayor, chairman of the parish council, said: “Residents and the parish council met last week to discuss the plans and people are torn over them.

“People want some kind of redevelopment of the mill, but there are concerns about the number of houses and the fact they could swamp the hamlet.

“Around 15 houses would probably be acceptable to residents, but they feel this is too many. There are also concerns of any commercial aspect, and the viability of these in such a small area.”

During discussions Pendle Council requested the developer to retain the mill, given its significance in the village. It is hoped that the use as a shop, post office and creche will create in advance of 15 jobs.

Local residents will now be consulted on the proposals before councillors in Pendle make a final decision on the plans later in the year.