FRESH plans have been submitted by developers looking to replace a Grade II listed mill development with a new housing complex.

Earlier this month it was reported that Arndale Properties, the owner of the Beehive Mills in Crescent Road, Great Lever is proposing to knock down the two main mill buildings to make way for 121 homes.

The firm has had to apply for consent to demolish the listed buildings and has argued that simply converting them would result in them making losses of close to £30 million.

The developer has now submitted additional plans for the former lodge building at the site.

Arndale wants to convert the building into two additional, similarly sized houses as part of the planned development.

The lodge building comprises a part single and part two-storey gate lodge and is based at the north-western corner of the site.

It has previously been used as offices, with meeting rooms and workstations as well as security accommodation for the Beehive Mills complex.

The two large former spinning mills were built in 1895 and 1902 respectively and were later used as a mail order distribution centre.

Unlike the controversial central plan to demolish the six-storey mill buildings and replace them with housing, the developer said the lodge conversion will have a much lesser impact.

A spokesman said: “The proposed conversion involves minimal change to the external appearance of the building, and sympathetic adaptation of the interior, retaining all the features of interest. “By restoring the building to good condition and returning it to beneficial use, the overall impact of these changes on the significance and setting of the building would be beneficial.

“No changes would be necessary to the roof. Generally the building would be refurbished with certain elements replaced such as the windows, for greater thermal efficiency.”

However, the fact that the lodge building is within the main Beehive site means it is also Grade II listed.

The application will be considered along with the central plans to knock down the Beehive Mills and replace them with the 121 new homes.