A NEW housing estate on the site of a former Blackburn mill will be ‘a welcome development’ if plans get the green light, according to residents.

Preston-based developer Pringle Homes want to build 38 new homes on the former Eclipse Mill site in Eclipse Road, Feniscowles.

Though Pringle Homes have declined to comment or to give details of the plans, and Blackburn with Darwen Council have not yet released details, local councillors have been told the houses will be executive, family properties.

Letters will be sent to affected residents shortly by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Alan Cottam, Livesey with Pleasington councillor, said: “We’ve been aware of this for some time, and the residents I’ve spoken to are all for it.

“They are pleased that the mill has gone, because there were all sorts of things going on there.

“This development will contribute to the residental status of the area, and it will be very nice for families, in a nice setting with the canal bank above it.”

The recently-demolished mill had been badly damaged in recent years by arsonists, and residents also complained about a car sales operation running from the site.

Built in 1913, the single-storey mill once housed 625 looms.

It was first leased to Haydock and Duerden of Canterbury Street, and later J. H. Haydock and Sons Ltd.

The firm originally wove loincloths, then expanded into crepes, rayons, poplins, checks and fancies.

Following a 1953 amalgamation, the number of looms were reduced to 240 and 124 automatics were installed.

During the 1960s, 160 people were employed by J. H.

Haydock and Sons Ltd., who finished in 1967.

It was later used for the production of tufting machinery, and until its closure, was used by Jones Textiles for the production of wooden products such as ladders and fencing panels.