EXCITING new plans for a multi-million pound re-development of a derelict mill in Cowpe have been unveiled for the first time.

Leading Lancashire property and development company the Hurstwood Group plans to transform Kearns Mill in Cowpe, which ceased operations in Easter.

The Rawtenstall-based company has applied for permission to build 18 apartments and 28 new homes at the former woollen dyeing mill.

And Hurstwood is also lifting the lid on a package of new measures designed to bring long-term benefits to residents in the scenic village as part of the transformation.

They include improvements to the community hall, a new dial-a-ride bus service and landscaping.

Their whole vision for Kearns Mill and the impact of the improvement package will form an exhibition for residents to be held by the company at the community hall later this month.

Bosses at Hurstwood believe that their plans represent a common sense approach to the future of Kearns Mill.

Hurstwood Group managing director Stephen J Ashworth said: "It's an industrial building and we could market it as such today. We believe that because of the mill's geographical position at the end of village, such an approach would be completely at odds with village life."

He added: "Instead we feel we have taken a more realistic approach. A change to a relatively small number of homes and apartments will mean that residents won't have to put up with the nuisance, noise and traffic which would be a direct consequence of keeping the mill for industry.

"The proposed project will save a substantial part of the existing mill building, which is part of the heritage and history of Cowpe.

"On the derelict parts of the site we plan to build new family homes, which would have the trademark Hurstwood seal of quality.

"We haven't just looked at the future of the mill in isolation. Our package of other measures shows our commitment to making this scheme a success for the whole of Cowpe."

Hurstwood has spoken to trustees of the community hall about a financial and practical package to improve the hall. The company would also make a contribution to help improve the village bus service. At the moment Cowpe is served by just two buses a day.

Under plans discussed with Lancashire County Council they would help fund the purchase of a new bus, which could be used as part of a dial-a-ride service.

The scheme site would also be landscaped involving the decontamination of the mill site and wildlife would be encouraged to return to its natural habitat on one side of the lodge.

Residents will be able to see the plans at an exhibition of the proposed scheme at the Cowpe Sunday School on Monday, September 13, and Monday, September 20, between 6.30pm and 8pm on each night.