PLANS to convert an empty mill into new apartments and a shop have resurfaced three years after similar plans were given the green light.

Victoria Mill in Walshaw could be transformed into 15 flats with a retail unit, which is anticipated to become a hairdresser’s salon, on the ground floor.

This comes three years after the same developer, Cobe Properties, was granted planning permission to turn the empty building into 13 apartments.

The new design in the revised application involves using land behind the mill to provide 12 parking spaces accessed from High Street.

The developer is no longer proposing to build a side extension to the mill which would have been used to provide parking in the previous proposal.

Tottington councillor Yvonne Wright, who represents the area in which the  mill is located, welcomed the news.

She said: “This is what we need in Bury – smaller homes so that people can down size and free up the bigger homes. We don’t need bigger homes.

“I think it’s in a good position, near public transport – there’s a bus stop nearby.

“I was on the planning committee when it was granted permission and I was always disappointed that it never came to fruition. So I welcome this new application.”

The last known use of Victoria Mill was by an engravers’ which closed sometime in the early 1990s

Since then the site has been vacant and has become increasingly derelict, according to a statement by planning agent Cobe Consulting.

The latest application proposes creating seven two-bedroom apartments and eight one-bedroom apartments with 18 car parking spaces provided.

There would also be three parking spaces relocated for the residents of Grassington Court.

A small retail unit, in the order of 36 square metres, is also proposed at ground-floor level.

The proposed use of the retail unit is unknown, but it is anticipated that it may be a hairdresser, according to the design and access statement.

The fabric of the existing building would be restored with the existing masonry cleaned, re-pointed and repaired as required and the existing steel lintels cleaned and painted.

All existing openings would be retained and the existing roller shutter door providing access to High Street would be replaced with a glazed window and door which would be the main entrance to the building.

Planning officers are due to decide the outcome of the application by mid-July.