A DECISION is expected to be made next week over plans to demolish part of Empress Textiles Mill in Trawden to make way for 47 dwellings, comprising apartments and houses.

Hollin Hall Mill, which was originally constructed in 1855, is currently in industrial use with ancillary uses of offices, mill shop, craft centre and cafe.

The plans were originally for 49 dwellings, made up of a block of 36 apartments, six apartments and seven houses, but after concerns by residents over the increase in traffic and pressure on parking in the area, Empress Mills Ltd submitted the amended plans.

These include the removal of the detached dwelling to the west of the site so that the existing car parking area can be upgraded and used by residents.

The number of terraced houses has been reduced from six to five and they have been moved nearer to the line of the road and the new build, three-storey apartment block will be rotated 90 degrees to be in line with a three-storey structure to be demolished.

A secure cycle parking area will be provided for 24 bicycles.

A site visit has been carried out and comments from that will be reported at the Colne and District Committee on July 3.

Trawden Parish Council had no objections to the development in principle but commented on the need for a turning circle for large vehicles, the potential for increased traffic and the need to reduce the number of houses.

Bob Jackson, chairman of the parish council, said: "Generally, the feeling among residents is that the development can't be avoided, but there are concerns about the extra traffic to an area that is already blocked with parked cars.

"With today's standards they say that there are two cars per household, which means all those extra vehicles coming and going. Everyone realises that the development will go ahead, but we'd like to see it with a reduction in the number of dwellings.

"It is a brownfield site that needs redeveloping and people would like to see something done with it. "

Council planners have recommended the plans for approval subject to agreements regarding the upkeep of the play area and communal car parking areas and conditions relating to traffic calming, landscaping, materials to be used and hours of working.