A DERELICT mill site which has blighted the landscape of a Lancashire village for years could be transformed as a major public consolation is launched.

Visions to regenerate the old Carus Mill site in Hoddlesden have been shared this week by land advisors BXB Land Solutions as they look to ready the land for residential development.

The company, which has plans to deliver more than a thousand leaflets to homes and businesses in and around the village, has set up a page on their website outlining their vision for development of the area.

However those living in the local area are being encouraged to put forward their opinions as bosses look towards submitting outline plans to the council.

The company’s director, Gary Goodman said: “The site has had a troubled history and currently blights the entrance to the village.

“We know that local people are keen to see its regeneration and we would welcome their views on issues such as layout, housing mix and road access.”

The site was formerly a textile mill making medical fabrics such as swabs and bandages for export around the world. It closed in 2003 and was burned down in a fire in 2008. Ground investigations have subsequently shown that the site has been polluted over many years.

Mr Goodman added: “The ground conditions are not ideal and the site will need cleaning up before it meets current standards.”

Mr Goodman says his aim is to submit a planning application by the end of July.

Ward Councillor for the area Julie Slater has spoken positively of the consultation, saying it is time something was finally done with the site.

She said: “There is a lot of past history with the site and it has been blighted by fly-tipping and dumping over the years - people are fed-up with the state of it.

“This is a step in the right direction and I really hope this will be it this time - but it needs to be done right.

“Locals should not only let them know about any potential objections, but also what they’d like to see done with the area.

“We’ve been working to get something done with the site for a very long time and it is my dream to see its redevelopment come to completion.”

Executive Member for Growth and Development on Blackburn with Darwen council, Cllr Phil Riley added: “It is important that local people make their opinions known so that they can be taken into consideration if and when this project progresses.”