ONE of the oldest surviving spinning mills in the world could be converted into a hotel.

Plans have been submitted by Stephen Chicken from SCPi Bowland Ltd to change the Grade II-listed Kirk Mill in Chipping into a three-story hotel including 18 beds and a bar restaurant.

The Arkwright-type spinning mill first began production in the 1780s, making it one of the oldest surviving cotton mills in the world.

It took the place of an existing corn mill with records for the building dating back to 1544.

The former HJ Berry factory has lain empty since 2010 when the 170-year-old furniture manufacturer collapsed.

The plans could be discussed by the council’s planning and development committee by the end of the year.