PLANS to transform a dilapidated Brierfield mill into a multi-million pound housing development have been given the green light after an agreement between English Heritage and Pendle Council.

Brierfield and Reedley Committee this week gave the go-ahead for 55 new homes on the Lob Lane Mill site.

It was told that English Heritage had withdrawn most of its earlier objections to the plans after talks with the council.

But it remains concerned about the proposed demolition of the mill chimney after a request for the mill to be declared a listed building was turned down.

The mill site had been derelict for many years before the council bought it in Januar.

It will be redeveloped through the council’s joint venture company Pearl 2.

The scheme is supported by funding from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire.

The plans, by IWA Architects of Clitheroe, will see the creation of 12 four-bedroom town houses in the main mill warehouse and engine house.

Other buildings on site will be demolished to make way for 31 new two and three-storey houses and 12 apartments.

Committee chairman, Coun Tonia Barton, said: “This is a really positive decision for this area and we welcome it.

“The fact a developer is willing to work with us on what has been a dilapidated site is good news.”