A DISUSED mill could be brought back into life after new plans were submitted.

Brookhouse Lane Mill in Blackburn has been closed for some years but could now become part of the Whalley Range Bazaar.

Tabinda Afzal has submitted the proposal to Blackburn with Darwen Council to convert the old mill for retail and storage use.

A design and access statement submitted with the proposal said: “It is the view of the local Asian community that the main commercial area of Whalley Range is now fully developed and there are no properties available to expand the level of service provision they seek.

“The only way to achieve this is to look to utilise available and appropriate vacant buildings.

“This is wholly sustainable and recognised as the most beneficial way forward for securing the future economic and social success of Whalley Range.

“The premises have clearly been used for commercial/industrial purposes in the past.

“They are currently vacant and falling into disrepair, particularly internally. The premises are not listed.

“The building is not in particularly good condition externally but it is internally where the most damage to the fabric of the building can be seen.

“It is in need of significant upgrading.”

Shear Brow councillor Suleman Khonat said: “Whalley Range is packed with shops and I suspect parking could be an issue.

“It is an empty building and it is probably one of the oldest in the area and it would be nice to see it in use.

“But we will have to see what the residents think as it is they who will be affected most by any development.”