Plans for 140 homes in Nelson approved

Permission was sought from Pendle Council last year to build up to 140 new homes with access, on the former Riverside Mill site and land bordering it, near Reedyford Road, Nelson.

The applicant, Gary Lawlor of Foxfield Developments Ltd, submitted plans on November 11 for the former industrial site, which used to contain a number of industrial buildings, now largely demolished, with some chimney structures remaining on site.

Supporting documents submitted with the application stated: “The site has some historical significance due to it being previously occupied by the Riverside Mill (formerly known as Bradley Shed, then Riverside Mill and Bradley Shed).

“Riverside Mill was a steam powered cotton weaving mill positioned next to Walverden Water and was built between 1887 and 1890.

“The mill was extended some time between 1890 and 1910, with a third section added in 1910, creating the 'L-shaped' block of buildings that occupied the site for the most time.

“The buildings were built predominantly from stone, with a brick chimney.

What the development could look like (Image: Council)

“The former mill buildings were demolished between 2003 and 2009.

“All that remains of the former mill is a brick chimney and a portion of the wall along the eastern boundary of the site, facing Bradley Primary school and the gable ends of residential units along Dover Street and Derby Street.”

The application also included space for 190 vehicles, and in summary, said the site could accommodate up to 140 properties over a mix of one, two and three bed apartments, three and four bed townhouses, associated communal amenity space, and hard and soft landscaping.

The supporting documents added: “The applicant has undertaken pre-application discussion with officers at the local planning authority and local residents.

“This process enabled the required supporting documentation to be agreed and advice received has been used to inform the proposals presented in this application.

“The written response from the council notes there are no objections in principle to the residential development.

“The response notes the site is in a sustainable location in a settlement, is not allocated for any other purpose that would preclude the development for housing, and the prevailing policy framework is supportive in principle of housing on the site.

“The principle of erecting buildings of up to four storeys within the central portion of the site was considered acceptable, providing the design is read as a modern interpretation of the former mill on the site.”

Outline planning permission for the development was granted last week.