A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to demolish a village mill and build 13 detached houses looks likely to be turned down.

Pendle Council's Barrowford and western parishes committee is recommended to refuse outline planning permission for the new homes on the site of Clovercroft Mill, Higham Hall Road, Higham.

The issue has divided the village. The parish council strongly objects to the scheme and two letters opposing the application have been sent to the borough council. But it has also received four letters and a 110-name petition supporting the plan. Supporters claim the mill is an eyesore and its demolition will stop heavy lorries travelling through the village.

A report to the area committee said the application should be refused because the proposed modern layout of the new homes was inappropriate on a site that was next to the village's conservation area.

The application was made by Winchester Furniture, which is based at the mill.

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