A SEMI-derelict, canalside former mill could be converted into 39 one and two bedroom apartments.

Firth Mill, in Firth Street, Skipton, has been bought by Skipton-based developer, Candelisa, which plans to sell the apartments from prices starting at £100,000, putting them at reach of first-time buyers.

Each will have its own outside balcony or roof terrace and an indoor car parking space.

The mill, built around 1877 and in the Skipton Conservation Area, was previously a warehouse and at one time was the home of Fresh Radio. The three storey building is currently largely vacant, with parts of it boarded up.

In its application to Craven District Council, Candelisa's architects, Bowman Riley, says all three storeys of the mill will be utilised, the ground floor for parking and the top two for apartments.

The look of the mill will remain largely the same, but with dormer balconies added on the second floor to provide "additional space and external area for the apartments".

The balconies will be protected by a glass balustrade set back behind the existing parapet, so as not to impact on the look of the mill.

Guy Taylor, managing director, said the company was committed to building affordable property, tailored to the needs of the local market.

"The scheme we are proposing will provide 39, one and two bedroom apartments, each with an outside balcony or roof terrace and indoor car parking," he said.

"Prices are likely to start at just £100,000 which will make them attractive to a range of customers, including first-time buyers."

In the past few years, Candelisa has transformed the previous headquarters of Skipton Building Society into the residential Providence Quarter, where it is now also based.

It is also part way through the residential conversion of the former Settle Police Station and Courthouse, and last year bought Green's Mill, in Cononley, which it plans to covert into apartments.

North Yorkshire highways has not objected to the scheme, but advised conditions, including the provision of at least 45 parking spaces within the scheme.