A ‘REVOLUTIONARY’ energy efficient family home worthy of the Channel 4 programme Grand Designs has been given the go-ahead.

Planners granted permission for the conversion project at the former Hawthorn Mill near Crawshawbooth to be built following the principles of the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.

Passivhaus is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building’s ecological footprint.

It results in buildings that require ultra-low levels of energy for heating or cooling.

Morgan Rothwell, of design agency D and M Creative, said: “Folly Clough is a revolutionary project that provides accommodation with high levels of comfort for occupants while using little energy for heating and lighting.

“They are built to rigorous design and construction standards following the principles of the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.

“The design reflects the former north light mill sheds and the scale of the cottages that once stood on the site.

“Constructed in highly insulated and airtight structurally insulated building panels (SIPS) for thermal comfort and powered by solar panels on the roof, means this Passivhaus will have minimal impact on the environment.

“The public footpath running through the site will be enhanced with viewing spaces and information boards to explain the history of the site and evolution of the project.”

The scheme has been designed by architects The Ratcliffe Groves Partnership and submitted by Roman Summer Associates.

The site is expected to be fully finished by late 2020.

An online petition against development on Folly Clough had amassed more than 500 signatures and there were two objections to the proposals.

Concerns raised included inadequate access, fears over flooding, impact on the ecology of the area and development out of character with Folly Clough.

Borough planning officer Neil Birtles said: “The site was once occupied by mill buildings and cottages, said to have been destroyed by fire in the 1960s.

“The site has regenerated and is now largely covered in trees, grasses and other vegetation, although there are still to be seen some concrete floor slabs/hard standings in the centre and remnant stone and brick walls towards the northern boundary.

“The proposal will make a small, but useful, contribution towards meeting the housing requirements of the borough.

“Notwithstanding that the site is located within the countryside, it is not in a remote location and is previously developed land.

“Accordingly, the proposed development is acceptable in principle and, subject to conditions, will not have an unacceptable impact.”