PLANS have been lodged to create 47 homes at the site of an old mill.

Chandos Homes Ltd has submitted the application to Hyndburn Council, proposing to build an estate at the site of the former St Lawrence Mill, on land off Britannia Street, Great Harwood.

It was established in 1844 as a spinning and weaving mill, operating until 1929 when it closed. Some of the buildings were demolished at the time and it was used for waste processing and felt manufacture.

In 1948 it was taken over by Hardura Ltd, making floor-coverings for the motor industry. By the 1960s, about 200 people were employed at the site.

The chimney at St Lawrence Mill is the last one standing in the area and will remain as part of the development. Chandos Homes Ltd is proposing to build 12 two-bedroom homes, 33 three-bedroom properties and two four-bedroom homes on the site.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: “The application site is a brownfield site comprising of two parcels both situated off Britannia Street, on the northern fringe of Great Harwood town centre. The northern parcel extends to 1.13 acres and the southern parcel including the former mill extends to 2.21 acres.

“The northern parcel is a relatively flat open space which is overgrown. The southern parcel is set at two levels, the lower level has access from Britannia street and a former floor slab.

“The former mill is set at a higher level and is accessed off Mill street, this area comprises of old workshop space and is dominated by the chimney of the former St Lawrence’s Mill.

“Providing a sustainable development will actively work to meet the requirements for Hyndbourn Council’s policy objectives. The developer will ensure that the development is planned as a safe, healthy, accessible and attractive place for residents, including the mobility impaired.

“The dwellings will be a mix of two and two and a half storey buildings, to make the most of the level differences across the site, and reflect the varied design of residential development in the wider area.

“In addition, there are a mix of mews properties, only one row of which comprises of four dwellings, all other are 3 dwellings or less, semi-detached and detached properties to improve the mix of house types for potential purchasers.”