Work begins on new homes in Brierfield

Date: 25.11.2010

Work has started on converting the former Lob lane Mill in Brierfield into spacious four-bedroomed town houses.

Some 31 new two and three storey houses and 12 apartments are also planned for the site.

The Victorian chimney at the derelict mill was removed last month to make way for the planned new multi-million pound housing development.

Other preparation work at the Lob Lane site, on the banks of the Leeds Liverpool canal, has included the demolition of outbuildings, including the old weaving shed and boiler house.

The mill is owned by Pendle Council and is being redeveloped through its joint venture company Pearl 2, which comprises the Council and locally based Barnfield Investment Properties.

Julie Whittaker, Housing Regeneration Services Manager for Pendle Council, said: "Despite the current economic situation we're still managing to make progress at this important site."

The site remediation work has been funded as part of this year's Housing Market Renewal programme.

Work has now started on creating 12 new four-bedroomed town houses in the main mill warehouse and engine house. Nine of these will also have the option for workspace on the lower ground floor.

It's expected these will be completed in autumn 2011.

Mr Tim Webber, Chairman and Managing Director of the Nelson based Barnfield Construction group, which includes Barnfield Investment Properties, said: "We're very pleased with the progress being made at Lob Lane.The work being done on this key site will help to regenerate Brierfield."

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Pendle Council's executive member for housing regeneration, said; "Lob Lane is a major landmark in Brierfield and Pendle and people will be pleased to see this project coming to fruition."

He added:"Whilst it's devastating that the national Housing Market Renewal programme is going to finish next year, this shows the Council is looking to explore other avenues to continue the regeneration of Brierfield."