Work to start soon on canalside homes

Planning permission to build 21 three and four bedroom houses and 16 apartments on the former Barden Mill site, in Barden Lane, was granted by Burnley Council earlier this summer.

The mill building is currently being demolished and Mr Jason Fildes, managing director of Reedley Marina, which sits next to the development, said construction work is expected to start towards the end of the year.

He said he also hopes to have the first show homes completed by Easter.

“We’ve had lots of interest,” he said. “We are currently in the process of demolishing everything. All the materials are being recycled as part of the planning agreement, that’s why it’s taking so long.

“We are hoping to start building the housing development towards the back end of this year.”

Once the housing development is complete Mr Fildes said plans could also be drawn up to extend the existing marina.

“The development will be really good. Obviously with the marina being here it’s very important to make sure that the development is good and of quality. I regard it as part of the marina development.”

The housing development will include six four bedroom three-storey houses, three three bedroom three-storey houses, 12 three bedroom two-storey houses and one four-storey building with 16 two bedroom apartments and car parking.

Neighbours living next to the scheme had objected to the plans, mainly over fears about an increase in traffic and concerns about road safety.

Mr Fildes added: “We want to do a really top job on it. Potentially on completion of the development we may also extend the marina.”

The scheme will be undertaken as a joint venture with Barnfield Construction.

Barden Mill merged with Pendle Village Mill, in Brierfield, last year.