THE transformation of the site of a large derelict moorland mill to turn it into a new housing estate for a pretty commuter village will include a 14-flat apartment block.

Developer Kingswood Homes revealed the proposal and a detailed planning application for the land once occupied by the Vernon Carus Mill near Hoddlesden.

It bought the land last year and has been clearing and preparing the site since December.

Last year, councillors unanimously gave permission for redevelopment of the eight acre site with up to 79 new homes.

Now the firm has revealed it intends to build 72 and hopes to have the first units completed by later this year.

The newly-proposed apartment block will have 13 two-bedroomed flats and a single one-bedroomed flat.

In addition there will be two semi-detached three-bedroomed houses, 12 detached three-bedroomed house, 39 detached homes with four bedrooms and five detached five bedroomed houses.

The developer says market research confirmed the demand for apartments in the new estate.

Supporting documents submitted with the planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council say: "Kingswood Homes proposes a layout to reflect the larger house types, similar to those constructed at Kingswood Homes’ Green Hills development in Feniscowles, west Blackburn.

"The Farmstead Range draws upon Blackburn’s social and industrial history, inspired by the farm vernacular which creates a sense of heritage for the local area as well as a sense of community.

"Kingswood Homes feel this range is particularly suited to the site's location in Hoddlesden which, whilst situated on the north-eastern edge of the built-up area of the village, is still predominately rural in nature.

"This has inspired the integration of stone facing materials to the elevational and boundary treatments of the development which seek to integrate the proposed new dwellings into the predominately stone faced vernacular of Hoddlesden Village Centre.

"This will be broken up with a mix of red, brown, grey and buff brick with natural and grey timber cladding to draw upon the industrial heritage of the area.

"Pockets of green space or 'green corridors' provide ecological enhancement and public amenity for residents, providing a vegetation buffer between the footpath and street whilst also aiming to integrate the development into the surrounding woodland and countryside beyond.

"In addition, the proposal seeks to provide a range of dwelling types, sizes and tenure that will contribute to the growth of the borough of Blackburn with Darwen and assist in achieving their housing land supply goals.

"Kingswood Homes have entered into negotiations with the adjacent landowners to the south to explore the possibility of bringing forward residential development on these parcels to ensure a comprehensive layout."