AN ‘eyesore’ former factory site in Church could be transformed by building nearly 50 homes.

Gleeson Homes have submitted plans to Hyndburn Council for 48 houses with garages at the vacant Mato factory.

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The former mill building was targeted by arsonists four times in three days in 2010, including one large fire which crews spent six hours tackling.

Community leaders have branded the the state of the building ‘an eyesore’ and said they hoped the plans would be seen as a positive addition to the area.

Cllr Jean Battle, who represents the ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “I think it’s a good idea, we need to smarten the area up a bit. It’s an eyesore at the moment with an the empty building and some houses that are not in the best condition.

“The area needs needs lifting up and I’m hopeful that this plan would do it. I have got no worries about it and I hope it goes ahead.”

The northern boundary of the site touches on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, while to the west is St James’ Church. Planning permission was initially granted in October 2014 for the demolition of the mill building and clearance of the site.

Church Bank Mill was originally built in 1881, and existing housing in the area dates back to between 1843 and 1893 and was predominantly constructed for those who worked at the mill. The plans include provisions for 15 two bedroom houses, 28 three bedroom houses and five four bedroom houses.

A total of 96 car parking spaces would be available across the homes if plans go ahead, with associated roads and sewers. The former church bank words used to offer industrial employment as mill but is currently a vacant building.

A spokesman for Gleeson Homes said in a statement: “The layout has been carefully designed to incorporate continuity of street frontages and enclosure of private spaces to create a safe and attractive living environment.

“While relating to its environment with care and responsiveness to the circumstances to be found around its boundaries, this development makes maximum use of the site in terms of development potential and architectural form.”

Hyndburn Council will be making a decision on the plans in the coming months.