ROSSENDALE developers behind some of East Lancashire's major building projects have unveiled plans to transform a derelict mill site into a block of luxury flats.

The Hurstwood Group has submitted proposals for a block of 34 luxury apartments off Free Lane, Helmshore, to Rossendale Borough Council.

The five-storey building would have special features, including secure basement parking, a 24-hour concierge, two glass lifts up to the apartments and four penthouse flats.

Hurstwood managing director Stephen Ashworth said: "It's a very ambitious and innovative development that has been months in the planning.

"It is one of the most exciting housing projects we have ever planned. It's something completely new for Rossendale and will be an asset for the area."

The derelict Sunnybank Mill site, close to the Bridge End pub and Snig Hole Park, is designated as a brownfield area and, Hurstwood would build a new bridge over a stream for access.

The development would also include a landscaped courtyard and gardens.

The site, formerly Porrits mill, is close to Hurstwood's prestigious Sunnybank development and screened by natural woodland with mature trees. Mr Ashworth went on: "The Hurstwood Group has 25 years experience of building new homes to the highest of specification and quality. Our speciality is prestigious developments of this nature.

"The project will completely transform what, at present, is an abandoned site. But we are conscious that the development should also be built in sympathy with the local environment. As always with our projects we have put a lot of work into the proposed design and specification. Naturally it will include high quality building materials."

One of the key features of the design is parking. The entire ground floor will be a secure car park and spaces for 68 vehicles will be provided -- two per apartment.

Hurstwood said apartments would range from two to four bedrooms. Preliminary discussions with acting agents Weale and Hitchen have taken place but prices have not been fixed yet. They are expected to range from £100,000 to £200,000.

If planning permission is granted, work would progress in two phases, with the first phase likely to begin late in 2003.