A DECISION on plans to build housing on the site of a derelict mill in Nelson has been deferred to find out more about the possible flood risk.

Lynwood Developments have applied for outline permission for residential development on the site of Riverside Mill, in Reedyford Road.

Nearby resident Donna Cayley spoke in favour of the proposals at a meeting of the Nelson Committee on behalf of residents whose properties faced the mill site, which she said was "full of rubbish".

She told councillors that residents would prefer the site to be used for housing rather than see it remain derelict because it was designated for industrial use, which locals would oppose.

Daniel Kershaw told the councillors the mill had been empty for four and a half years and that industrial use of the site would not be financially viable.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal read out a fax received from Barnfield Construction, suggesting that industrial uses could be found for the premises.

Coun Mohammed Munir described the site as an "eyesore" and suggested the application should be approved to solve the problems

The committee voted to defer the application and ask the applicants for an evaluation of the flood risk.