A RUN-DOWN terrace of 19th century homes being transformed into modern properties has got the seal of approval by regeneration chiefs.

Manchester-based housing firm Adactus is refurbishing seven homes in Every Street, Nelson, in an innovative scheme to show how new life can be breathed into rundown houses.

Members of Whitefield Regeneration Partnership (WRP), Pendle Council and residents were given a sneak preview of how the loft-style' properties with new kitchen, bathroom, mezzanine level bedroom, sash double-glazed windows and electrically operated roof lights will look.

Lord David Shutt of Greetland, chairman of the WRP, said: "We are very impressed with the way in which the properties have been converted for modern living whilst retaining the character of the original 19th century mill terrace.

"This provides a taster for other projects which will see other parts of the Whitefield area redeveloped."

The project, part of the multi-million pound Elevate regeneration scheme, started in May and should be finished early next year.

The seven homes will be turned into five, converting two properties into larger family homes.

When completed there will be two four-bedroomed properties and three one-bedroomed homes.

The area received national attention after residents success-fully fought two public inquiries to stop 160 homes being bulldozed.

The residents' battle caught the eye of Prince Charles, who backed a competition by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, for developers to come up with how to spend £20million of Government cash to rejuvenate the historic area.

Brian Cookson, the council's executive director for regeneration, said: "This is an important project. It's a radically different approach, within a conservation area.

"We are very pleased with the transformation and hope local residents benefit for years to come."

Resident Lesley Chisnell-Helm, who went on the tour, said: "I think they're absolutely brilliant. "The use of space is very clever and very well thought out."