An old mill which until recently was being used for storage, could be turned into 17 new homes if plans are approved by the council.

An application to demolish Croft Mill in Lowther Lane, Foulridge, and build 17 properties on the land, with private gardens, access roads and space for 34 cars, was submitted to Pendle Borough Council on July 11 by family-run residential developers, Skipton Properties.

The plans, if approved, would see 13 three-bed and four four-bed properties erected on the site, complementing the character of the surrounding area.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A planning statement lodged with the council reads: “The residential units, which will be spread evenly throughout the site, will provide a mix of three-bed and four-bed detached and semi-detached family houses.

 “The proposal looks to accommodate a new access point located along Lowther Lane providing access to the residential properties for both residents, and refuse/service vehicles.

“The proposals engage with the new road which runs through the centre of the site, whilst the design also considers the adjacency of the surrounding buildings.”

The planning statement went on to state that overall, the scheme, subject to privacy issues being resolved and drainage not being an issue, is one that would be acceptable for approval by the council.

Croft Mill has been most recently used for storage purposes but was vacated on May 30.

Previously, it is understood the site was occupied for 35 years by Croft Mill UK Ltd, supplier of textiles and fabrics, which ceased trading from the site in 2008

So far there have been no major objections, except a recommendation from the Flood Authority, seeking concerns over drainage to be remedied before any permission granted and/or work started.

Alongside this, East Lancashire Hospitals Trust has asked for a section 106 contribution of more than £29,000 before they can offer support to the plans.

A statement from the trust read: “These dwellings will support a population increase of 39 (assuming an average of 2.3 people per dwelling) all of whom will need to access health services.

“It follows that without the provision of additional facilities and services it will not be possible to accommodate the health impact of the development within the existing provision which is available.

“Whilst the Trust will, in due course, be able to obtain funding to meet the needs of the population which arises from the development, this funding will not be in place for approximately three years.

“Once in place, the funding will not be provided retrospectively, and as such the impact on the Trust for the initial period will not be met from any alternative source of funding.

“We therefore request a contribution for this development in the sum of £29,011.00.”

Residents have until August 16 to comment on the proposals and then a decision will be made by Pendle Borough Council’s planning department in due course.