AN EMPTY mill could be given a new lease of life with plans to transform it into 25 luxury apartments each worth up to £400,000.

The development would follow in the footsteps of the recently converted Ilex Mill, Rawtenstall.

The application to redevelop the former textile factory Edenwood in Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, has been submitted to Rossendale Council.

The company behind the move fears the site, already a haven for vandals, could become a blot on the landscape if plans are rejected.

Its proposal is to retain the look of the building but convert it into 25 two-bedroom, loft-style apartments.

The existing roof would be replaced by glass-fronted penthouses. The mill's car park would be used for residents.

The Edenwood factory is already screened by natural woodland.

The mill has been empty since 2001, when owners Turnbull and Stockdale switched operations to a nearby factory in Chatterton.

Since then, the company has appointed a commercial property agent in a bid to attract new industrial business to Edenwood, but their efforts have proved unsuccessful.

A spokesman for the company said: "The last thing we want is for the mill to become an eyesore.

"The only other option would be to turn it into units for light industry but clearly this would have a very negative impact on a quiet corner of the valley.

"We firmly believe this redevelopment option provides the most sensible solution for a deteriorating situation.

"Since it has been empty the site has become a target for vandals.

"Apartments will bring new life to Edenwood and provide much needed housing in the area."

Prices for the apartments have not been fixed but the company said it expected they would range from £250,000 to £400,000 in price.

The plans could be ready to be discussed at September's Development Control Meeting.

The site was first used for textile production in the early 1800s. In the early part of the last century the factory was extended and developed as a dyeing facility for Turnbull and Stockdale Limited, to compliment their weaving, bleaching, printing and distribution activities.

Between 1968 and 2001 the Edenwood factory was solely used as a specialist hand block printing unit.

When Turnbull and Stockdale bought the Chatterton factory the hand block unit was moved to the more suitable and upgraded premises.