PROPOSALS to turn a former spinning mill into a housing development have been praised 10 years on from the first plans being submitted.

If given the go-ahead the former Victoria Mill in Watt Street in Sabden would be demolished and 30 houses would be developed in its place.

The plans were submitted to Ribble Valley Council by Skipton Properties to develop the site, after three previous applications from different companies failed to materialise.

A Cobden Close resident, who lives opposite the mill, said: "I think it's a fantastic plan.

"It would be a lot better than looking at the mill currently, it's an eyesore.

"Sabden could do with a few more houses and this seems like a great development for the area."

A Mill Court resident said: "Talks of development have been going on for years.

"I hope it goes ahead, it would be much better to see houses on the site than the old mill, its falling apart."

Applications were passed in 2008 to build an industrial unit and 22 apartments on the site, and in 2011 an application was passed for 70 apartments and houses, however both failed to materialise.

The new plans include provisions for 18 three bed and 12 four and five bedroom homes with a total of 72 car parking spaces for the site.

As part of the proposals it would involve the reconstruction of the former Marbill Office building as new dwellings and the reconstruction of the base of the mill chimney as an Ecology Tower.

A public consultation event was held in October last year by Skipton Properties and the 'majority of responses' were positives, while complaints on parking were taking on board.

Cllr Richard Newmark, who represents Sabden on the Ribble Valley Council, said: "I'm in favour of it, most of the village are.

"The mill has been empty for a number of years now, it is not looking nice at all, parts of it are falling down, it's a danger.

"The regeneration of the site with housing will be a positive thing for the area, it's much needed.

"The plans also include plenty of spaces to park cars, which was one of the downfalls before."

The site lies in the Sabden Conservation Area and the applicant said plans will 'resemble the industrial history of the site.'

A statement from planning agent DGL Associates said: "The scheme proposes to efficiently redevelop a derelict brownfield site to provide a high quality residential accommodation.

"The scheme proposes a mix of dwellings that are much needed in Sabden village and would add to the choice of homes available in the locality. "