A SUPERMARKET could be built on the site of a 200-year-old mill in Barnoldswick.

Carlson Filtration is currently housed at Butts Mill in the town centre, but the firm is looking to relocate to newer premises.

Preston-based developer Maple Grove will help Carlson find a new home and is bidding to attract a supermarket onto the site.

The developer said a big name had not yet been lined up for the store amid claims that Tesco was behind the outline planning application submitted to Pendle Council.

Margaret Bell, chairman of Barnoldswick Town Council and Pendle councillor for Coates, said there were mixed feelings about the plan.

She said: "Some people fell that they would like to see another supermarket in the town and others think it will kill the centre.

"It is early days though and we will have to wait and see."

Neil Ward, director of Maple Grove developments said: "Our plans for the Carlson site are at a very early stage but we are very excited at the prospect of bringing a new food store and town centre car parking to Barnoldswick.

"At the centre of our proposals is the re-location of Carlson Filtration's current operations and the successful future trading of the company will be at the forefront of any opportunities explored."

Bosses of Carlson, which manufactures various filtration equipment and was estbalished in 1923, said they wanted to remain in East Lancashire and were looking for an appropriate site to house their 50 strong workforce.

Brian Gabbett, managing director of Carlson Filtration said: "The company's business is not well served by the deficiencies of our existing premises at Butts Mill.

"If Maple Grove's planning application is successful, our move to more modern, efficient and accessible premises in the area will mark a new era in our Company's heritage, allowing us to invest in the future."

The plan also contains a 275-space car park.

A public exhibition detailing the plans will take place at the Rainhall Centre, in Rainhall Road, on Wednesday January 30 2.30 pm to 7.30pm.