A MAJOR redevelopment of the former India Mill in Blackburn has got underway with 118 homes set to be built on the site.

Bosses at Persimmon Homes Lancashire said the Laburnum Walk project in Little Harwood has taken two years of preparatory work including demolition.

The first properties are set to be completed by May.

Mark Cook, managing director for Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: “We are determined to breathe life back into the area and transform it into an aspirational place to live and we are confident the development will be well received locally.

“This is a particularly complex scheme. The site includes considerable slopes which have resulted in the need to re-grade, allowing development on various levels throughout the site to enable full advantage to be taken of the surrounding views.”

The site has had numerous past uses including cotton and felt weaving along with the manufacture of electric cookers and cooking utensils. Remediation has taken place with the Environment Agency and environmental health officers from the local council.

The 10-acre site was given detailed planning consent by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in December 2009 for a range of 118 two, three four and five bedroom semi detached, detached and mews-style homes. A children’s play area will also be provided within the development.