A 19th century mill plagued by vandalism is set to be converted into housing six years after plans were first approved.

Two past attempts to convert Lob Lane Mill, Clitheroe Road, Brierfield, into housing have fallen through since the build-ing became dormant in 2001.

But Pendle Council is close to sealing a deal to buy the mill from current owners, the Royal Bank of Scotland, for £500,000.

The council, housing regeneration firm Elevate and the local authority’s development company, PEARL2, will then develop an £8million scheme.

It would see 30 new three-bed-room homes, one three-bedroom town house, ten four-bedroom town houses and 12 two-bed-room apartments built.

A report to Pendle council’s executive committee explored three different options for housing on the site.

Dean Langton, housing regeneration manager at the council, said: “On the basis of discussions with Elevate this option assumes Elevate funding will be available for site preparation and land remediation works.

“This option is the only realistically viable option and also retains the canalside mill build-ing which is a key feature of the conservation area.”

Vandals have plagued the hist-oric mill, which was built in 1879, and last housed Trojan Products before they relocated to Clayton-le-Moors in 2001.

An arson attack in July 2007 left it severely damaged, and in October 2006, 130 of the 270 mill’s windows were smashed.

Residents and local councillors had called for the development of the mill to begin as soon as possible.

Mr Langton said: “The council has resolved to purchase the site subject to the cost being financed by Elevate East Lancashire with Housing Market Renewal funds.

“The Bank of Scotland, the owner, is pressing the council to complete the purchase before the end of January.

“The Lob Lane Mill site in Brierfield has been identified by the council as a key opportunity for residential regeneration."