CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend a Darwen mill look set to be knocked back by councillors - five years after they were approved.

Bosses at Chapman Envelopes have renewed plans to extend the New Waterside Paper Mill at Eccleshill to create space for a warehouse, office and service yard.

But because the scheme would involve building on land which the council has labelled as "green belt" planning experts at Blackburn town hall are advising the project is rejected.

Neighbours mounted a campaign to prevent the previous application for an extension in 1994.

But they backed off after a meeting when company bosses said the work was vital to the firm's future well being.

Five years later, householders from Eccleshill Gardens and Nursery Nook are again opposing plans.

One resident wrote to the council saying: "Five years have passed and Chapman Envelopes is now only a fraction of its former self."

Blackburn with Darwen councillors will receive a report from planning experts which says there is no economic justification to override policies on the granting of permission for building on green belt land, as was the case in 1994.

It adds: "In 1994, an argument was advanced based on the retention of 160 jobs. The recent cessation of economic activity on the adjoining site would appear to negate the need for additional floor space." The planning committee will discuss the project on Thursday.

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