CONTROVERSIAL plans to build houses on the site of a former bleachworks have finally been approved.

William Hargreaves Ltd is to build 50 houses, including 24 two-bedroom apartments in two three-storey blocks and a large multi-use business unit, on land off Holcombe Road, Helmshore.

Members of Rossendale's development control committee approved plans for the former Holden Vale Bleachworks after planning officers recommended the proposal.

They said the development should be approved, but attached a condition that 10,000 sq ft of industrial development should be built before anyone moved in to the houses.

Members of the committee agreed to reduce the industrial development to just 5,000 sq ft after a speech by the applicant.

Councillor David Hancock said: "This application has been backwards and forward for years in various shapes and forms.

"The developer asked us to reduce the amount to 5,000 sq ft which will, hopefully, make it easier for them to let the space and get on with the houses, which is what they want to do. It is a site we would like to see developed."

The site is currently opposite the Holden Vale Conference Centre, including the award-winning Sleigh Restaurant.

Rossendale Council originally planned for the site to be developed for just commercial use, but despite extensive marketing since 1998, little interest has been shown.

They now hope the construction of the houses, which must be built in natural stone to fit in with the nearest other buildings, will make the site more attractive to businesses.

The plans also meet the Government's commitment to build on previously developed sites before greenfield areas.

There will be conditions attached to the planning permission regarding to emissions, hours of operation and the storage of materials or equipment in car parking areas, as well as the materials used and a land contamination investigation.