DEVELOPERS have been given the go-ahead to convert a 19th century corn mill in the Ribble Valley into executive houses.

Crosby Homes North West Ltd is to turn the Abbey Corn Mill in King Street, Whalley, into 17 two, three and four-bedroom houses.

But councillors on Ribble Valley Planning Committee heard residents were against the scheme because it would cause traffic chaos and put pressure on local services.

John Seager, a planner with Crosby Homes, told the meeting his company already had permission for 51 dwellings at the site.

And he assured councillors that a waterwheel at the mill would be restored to its former glory and retained as a feature of the new development.

"We have permission to build 51 sheltered housing units at the site and are now proposing to build only 17 homes in a design that is much more in keeping with surrounding properties," he said.

"The waterwheel will also be renovated, with two large arches on either side so that it can be seen from all directions."

More than 15 letters had been received from residents objecting to the scheme and English Heritage had said it did not think the site was appropriate for residential use, councillors heard. But Ribble Valley Council's chief planning officer Stewart Bailey recommended that the scheme was approved.

"Originally it was suggested that, as the mill had been so badly damaged by fire, the best thing to do was demolish and rebuild it. However, following consultations with English Nature and concerned residents, the plan is now to restore it instead," he said.

Councillors heard two viewing windows would be created in the mill wheel chamber to enable the restored wheel to be seen by the public.

"The intention to restore the waterwheel and reduce the number of units from 51 to 17 means the proposal can now be considered acceptable and of a design that will minimise impact on the surroundings, " he added.

Whalley councillor Joyce Holgate said access would always be a problem at the site and she "reluctantly" supported the officer's recommendation.

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