Plans for housing development at iconic former mill in Burscough given green light

Jan 17 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A BID to convert the derelict Ainscough Mill in Burscough into 50 apartments and build 66 new homes on surrounding land were given the go-ahead by planners.

The plan for the Mill Lane site will see some of the later extensions to the Grade II listed main mill knocked down, while the nearby chimney house and Grade II listed mansion house will be converted to create a further six apartments as part of the development.

Concerns were raised at the meeting last Thursday about the potential impact of noise on nearby residents and those that will move into the site from the nearby railway – as well as issues around drainage from the site.

Cllr Roger Bell initially proposed deferring the application to allow a noise survey to be conducted, but withdrew the motion.

Robin Baslington, who lives on Mill Lane, raised concerns over traffic and infra-structure concerns.

But Kevin Farrington, on behalf of Persimmon Homes, said concerns around noise would be monitored and if necessary measures would be taken by the developer to mitigate them – including the possibility of an acoustic fence. He also said the developer would create a separate drainage system for the site. Late information from United Utilities proposed several extra conditions be attached, and Cllr David Westley said: “This site needs to be developed. The conditions we have got are stringent and comprehensive.”

The decision to approve was delegated to the borough planner subject to conditions being agreed.