A DEVELOPER has unveiled plans to build houses on the site of a Nelson mill.

But Pendle Council looks set to block the proposals for Riverside Mill, Reedyford Road, because the land has been earmarked for industrial development.

Lynwood Developments Ltd claims there has been no interest in the derelict site from developers wanting to build new industrial units.

An assessment of the site commissioned by the firm says that the cost of demolition and construction of new industrial units would exceed their market value and a substantial Government grant would be needed to bridge the funding gap.

This has been supported by the council's estates section, but in a report to the Nelson Committee, council planners have recommended refusal of the plans.

The report says that while there is evidence to support the claim that the site, which is surrounded by housing and a school, has little commercial value, employment land is scarce in the borough and should be protected.

Nelson Committee will discuss the proposals at the Town Hall on Monday.