NEW plans have come forward for housing on a derelict former mill site.

Stone Cross Homes Ltd want to build an estate on land west of Moorgate Street in Blackburn.

The Bolton firm has proposed 20 new houses and flats on the vacant land overlooking the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

The site was home to the former six-storey Moorgate Mill from 1836 until it was demolished in 2008 to accommodate the prospect of new housing.

As part of a previous planning application, two purpose-built blocks with 20 apartments for the learning disabled and vulnerable were built and opened in 2014.

But the new homes never went ahead as happened with a second bid for 18 houses in 2015.

The new applications is for 20 two and three-bedroomed houses and one-bedroomed flats.

The scheme has been welcomed by local Mill Hill and Moorgate ward's Cllr Damian Talbot and Cllr Paul Marrow, Blackburn with Darwen Council's Conservative group regeneration spokesman.

A Design and Access Statement by Oldham-based architect's nicol thomas (ALL LOWER CASE) says: "This application is in response to our clients desire to develop a vacant site for residential use in a sustainable location in response to current demand for general purpose accommodation in the local area.

"The site is brownfield and in relatively close proximity to local shops and amenities"

" The scheme proposals comprise a development of 20 two and three-bedroom houses and one-bedroom flats.

"The aim of the proposed development is to redevelop a brownfield site and create a small community which is sustainable and a desirable place to live."

Cllr Talbot said: "I’m delighted that there are plans to develop this site. After Moorgate Mill was demolished only half of the land was redeveloped and the remainder has lain derelict for several years."

Cllr Marrow said: "This is a welcome development with the sort of housing the area and the borough needs on an appropriate site. It is good that it will reuse brownfield land."

The Design and Access statement adds: "The scheme will add value to the area in respect of architecture and social well being as well as adding new properties in a climate with limited new build housing for affordable rent in the location.

"The scheme design ensures that, even though the scheme is comparatively small, a strong street scene is created throughout the development through dwelling design, setting-out and landscaping.

Location of trees in front garden areas have been included where practical."