PLANS to turn an eyesore canalside mill into 61 apartments and build 38 homes have been approved by councillors.

Lob Lane Mill, Clitheroe Road, Brierfield is due to be transformed by Rowan Ramsey Investments Ltd.

The 19th century steam-powered weaving mill has stood empty for four years, during which time yobs have smashed more than 130 of the 270 windows .

Highway chiefs said the plans to regenerate the mill did not allow for enough parking spaces for future residents.

Lancashire County Council's highways department said not enough parking spaces had been identified for a scheme of that size and advised councillors to refuse the bid.

But after councillors on Brierfield and Reedley Committee deferred their decision at previous meetings, conditions have now been put in place to ensure adequate parking.

Other special recommendations have been put in place to protect the appearance of the building, as the mill lies within a conservation area.

These include making sure all stone and slates match the original and the inclusion of properly landscaped and maintained areas.

Earlier this year it was reported that the mill had been left "dangerously unstable" after the latest in a series of arson attacks, which occurred since it became empty in 2001.

The mill housed a former major employer in Brierfield, Trojan Products Ltd, which moved to new premises in Clayton-le-Moors in 2001.