PROPOSALS to turn a vacant industrial site into 25 homes will be debated by councillors on Tuesday.

Hyndburn Planning Committee has been recommended to approve the scheme for the former Albert Mill in Mary Street, Rishton.

An officer's report proposes the imposition of 26 conditions on the project submitted by Liverpool-based Calico Property Developments Ltd.

It says: "The development would consist of a mix of good sized family housing each with a garden and parking. Landscaping is also proposed.

"The proposed site is located within a predominantly residential area of Rishton and is surrounded by residential dwellings of two-storey traditional terraces, in a variety of styles.

"A sheltered accommodation care home arranged around a cul de sac of bungalows on Eachill Close is located immediately to the south.

"The site is located within a residential area to the South of Rishton town centre.

"The site was previously used for industrial purposes until the previous occupier ceased trading in February 2006. The site is now vacant.

"One letter of objection has been received which relates to the entry and exit on Mary Street causing excessive traffic and disruption and the lack of parking in the area and Mary Street being used as an overflow.

"The applicant has submitted a viability assessment the outcome of which is that the site provides no viability to pay either affordable housing contributions or open space off-site contributions.

"The development site is in a highly sustainable area, providing quality bus stops and Rishton Train Station is within a short walking distance.

"The development is well laid out with suitable distances between properties.

"All houses have parking provision and garden areas and the mix of housing provides quality family accommodation for the borough.

"Materials are faced brickwork, concrete roof tiles and white UPVC.

"Landscaping and boundary treatments have been submitted which are considered acceptable and add some interest and quality to the development.

"It is therefore recommended that planning permission is granted, subject to conditions and subject to the applicant committing to an ecology off site contribution of £20,950 and payment towards bin provision of £3,425."

A Design and Access statement submitted with the planning application said: "The aim of the proposal is to bring forward a modern and attractive residential scheme on a presently vacant and derelict employment site in a predominantly residential area.".