PLANS to build 40 new homes at a vacant industrial mill site in Great Harwood are set to be approved despite concerns from local officials.

Barnfield and Hyndburn Development Partnership hopes to build the properties after demolishing one of the Premier Mill buildings off Arthur Street.

Worries have been expressed because planning guidelines in Hyndburn limit the number of new developments that can be created in the area.

Current policy states that only 650 new dwellings can be built before 2011, but if all approved schemes are completed in that time there will be more than 900.

Because of that rule developers have to show exceptional circumstances for the development.

Hyndburn planning chief Brendan Clarkson said there was a need for privately-rented retirement accommodation in the area but there were ample affordable family properties.

The applicants say the development is needed because the mill in its current derelict state is a blight on the town and will continue to get worse.

A spokesman for Barnfield and Hyndburn Development Partnership said: "The site is surrounded by a residential area and is therefore a priority for redevelopment.

"It is no longer suitable for employment uses and unless it is redeveloped for housing could attract anti-social behaviour."

The development would see 24 houses linked in two and three-storey blocks as well as a three-storey apartment building containing 16 units.

Letters of support for the project have been sent to Hyndburn Council from local residents.

One said that the residential plans would be "better than an empty mill, which is a constant danger from children entering the building, starting fires and causing vandalism".

The proposal is due to be discussed at Hyndburn's planning panel on Wednesday and has been recommended for approval.