THE LANDOWNER behind a £22million canalside plan says it is on track following talks with building firms.

The Clayton Triangle redevelopment has now been approved by planners and is ‘extremely viable’ according to businessman Gerard Holmes.

The transformation would see 95 houses, and 24 apartments created at the site, parallel to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, from Enfield Wharf to the Corn Mill.

The scheme, from site landowners Mr Holmes and British Waterways, would see new housing, reclaimed cobbles, green spaces and revamped listed buildings.

They are now said to be in ‘promising’ talks with builders.

Two Grade II listed buildings at Enfield Wharf, the former stable block used by Accrington Sea Cadets and the canal warehouse, would also be converted into mixed use offices and apartments.

The site will have two entrances, St Mary’s Court, and a widened three-lane access at Mill Entrance.

Councillors raised concerns about the effect on busy Whalley Road and of Accrington Sea Cadets losing their facility.

However, the overall majority decided the smart canal-side development was too valuable an opportunity to miss.

Mr Holmes, the owner of AAA Road Assistance, said: “For four years we’ve had dozens of meetings with planners and councillors asking what they wanted.

"The resulting plans are for fantastic, modern and sympathetic housing right off the motorway.

"We’re progressing in talks with a builder and the plan is very viable.”

At the planning meeting last night, representatives for the Sea Cadets urged councillors to ensure the unit would continue.

Hyndburn regeneration officer Ian Marfleet said the council would help them relocate.

He said: “We have offered Mercer House and to refurbish the stables at Haworth Park, but these are considered too small for their annual charity dinner.

“Shared facilities are also unsuitable. Because of their activities they have a challenging set of requirements.”

The new canalside development would include landscaping using green spaces, wildflowers and an increase in trees. Better public access to the canal-side using footpaths would also be created.