HISTORIC streets and buildings in the heart of Chipping are to be given extra protection from demolition and development.

Town hall chiefs have given the go-ahead for the late 18th century industrial hamlet of Kirk Mill to be designated as a new conservation area in a bid to preserve industrial history.

The three-acre site will include one of the oldest surviving spinning mills, Grove House, the mill pond, three-storey houses in Grove Row, Grove Square including the former school and coach house, the Grade II-listed Kirk House, Malt Kiln House and the dam.

It means planners will have more control over how buildings are developed and protected, and whether any can be demolished.

Chipping councillor Simon Hore, who has lived in the Ribble Valley village for more than 20 years lead the campaign for the conservation status.

He said: “Due to the historic nature of the buildings we felt that something had to be done to try and save them from future developments which are not in keeping with the area.

“We already have many sites within Chipping which are protected by conservation status so it was only right for this to be protected also.

“It is of great historical significance dating back to the 14th century and we will do everything we can to preserve it for future generations.”

The Arkwright-type spinning mill, which is owned by the Berry family of Chipping, first began production in the 1780s, making it one of the oldest surviving cotton mills in the world.

It took the place of an existing corn mill with records for the building dating back to 1544. It has undergone many renovations and extensions over the centuries and currently stands empty.

Stuart Bailey, director of development services for Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “In my opinion the Kirk Mill industrial hamlet is a rare, extremely interesting, evocative and surprisingly intact example of an Arkwright Mill site.

“The main impact of conservation area designation will be to prevent the substantial, or total demolition of buildings without the borough council’s comment.”

The conservation area was given the green light at a planning meeting on Thursday.