Plan for houses at arson-hit mill site in Rossendale

Albert Mill in Whitworth hit the headlines in 2009 after a firefighter was injured while tackling a huge blaze at the building.

It was torched a year later and around 80 firefighters were called to the blaze on the three-floor building.

Halliday Meecham Architects applied to Rossendale Council for the demolition of Sunnyside Mill and Sunnyside Works and the redevelopment of the site, including the former Albert Mill, in favour of 49 properties.

Cllr Alan Neal, who represents the ward, believes the scheme will be an improvement for the area.

He said: “It will be a lot better than what was there.

“The fire service and police service have had problems with vandalism and fires for years.

“It would be uplifted by the news and the nearby residents would welcome the fact that a dangerous derelict building is being got rid off.

“Whitworth has done more than anywhere else in Rossendale for good-quality housing for local people.

“All the homes are being built on a former brownfield site so it is an ideal alternative to building in the countryside.

“This plan will give people from Whitworth the chance to stay in Whitworth while improving the site.

He said the building, which is in Market Street, had been an eyesore since it became empty in 2008.

“The good thing to come out of the whole process is that Albert Mill was demolished and the company that own the site have lived up to their promise of doing it.

“Some people may say there will be more traffic on our roads but it is going to give homes for families who will be using our libraries, schools and leisure facilities.”

“I know it is a balancing action with providing good quality local housing for Whitworth people.”

A report to planners says: ‘The site is redundant, partly demolished and currently occupied by two semi-derelict buildings.

“The design proposals provide a place with its own identity which respects the principles of local vernacular and built form.”