A NEW application to knock down a former mill building to build homes has been launched.

Mrs Carolyn Topham has submitted a planning application to build 14 semi-detached houses at Carr Cottage Mill in Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

A previous bid in 2019 to turn the 'unattractive' site into 30 flats failed.

Carr Cottage Mill was opened in 1870 by the Carr Cottage Mill Company, cotton manufacturers.

It was then used by Whalley New Road Manufacturing Company from 1903 to 1904 and extended in 1912 by owners Duckworth & Eddleston, cotton manufacturers.

In 1939 it was bought by John Duckworth & Son (Blackburn) Ltd.

Local Roe Lee ward representative Cllr Phil Riley said: "This is a difficult and unattractive site.

"This application is a considerable improvement on the previous one which was simply unsuitable. It will need to be carefully considered by planning officers and possibly the planning committee."

A supporting statement to Blackburn with Darwen Council planners by Accrington-based Intelligent Design Ltd says: " This application is for the demolition of an aged industrial building and its attached external storage yard and the erection of a residential development containing approximately 14 new dwellings in its place.

" The council’s local plan does support the principle of residential development in this location.

"The justification for the demolition of the building is based on its deteriorating condition.

"It is no longer suitable for the current occupant’s business needs and nor is it suitable for use as an industrial premises by another business.

" Following the findings of a Flood Risk Assessment and in particular the need to raise the accommodation above the current ground level, we feel that a solution of semi detached houses with garage and WC at ground floor level and living accommodation above is the only viable option.

"Due its shape, size and lack of frontage onto the road a traditional approach has been taken to the layout of housing on the site. The site location adjacent to a pub and another industrial premises also makes it somewhat unusual.

"The indicative layout shows how the site can comfortably accommodate 14 houses.

"The site is located in a residential suburban area of Blackburn close to a number of newer residential developments and the Roe Lee development site where work on a new housing development has recently begun.

"There are also a number of good local amenities further up Whalley New road with primary schools, shops and public transport links within reasonable walking distance.

"We strongly believe that this development makes a positive contribution towards the mixture of the housing offer in this area of

Blackburn."