A FORMER Barnoldswick cotton mill could be demolished to make way for 21 new homes.

Pendle Council's West Craven Committee has approved an outline application to knock down Hope Mill, on Skipton Road, and build a housing development in its place.

Hope Mill - previously known as Coates New Mill - was constructed in 1864 and is currently occupied by Hope Technology which is seeking to relocate to more modern premises.

The application seeks permission to demolish the two-storey stone mill and single storey sheds, most of which are not original.

More detailed plans would have to be submitted with a full planning application in the future, but an illustrative layout was submitted with the outline application indicating 21 three-storey houses.

While approving the outline plan, the West Craven Committee called for a noise assessment to be carried out due to the site's proximity to Rolls-Royce.

A letter had also been received from the archaeological unit of Lancashire County Council requesting that an archaeological record of the mill be taken.

Local residents have objected to the scheme on various grounds, expressing fears about road safety due to the increase in traffic from the proposed development.

Others raised concerns about the height of the development.

Speaking at the West Craven Committee meeting, Brain Carlos, of George Street, said: "I most certainly do not want three storey houses directly in front of my house."

Coun Alan Buck was also concerned about the loss of employment in the area.

He said: "We have not got a great deal of employment and we must ensure we keep as much employment as we can in our town.

"To lose this site to housing leaves me concerned."

However, planning officer Janet Filbin said there were no plausible reasons why the application should be refused.

Committee chairman Coun Margaret Bell added: "Of all the issues we have tried to address we just haven't got a leg to stand on.

"We cannot come up with a reason to refuse this application. I think it is really sad."