St Modwen moves ahead with Burnley mill scheme

ST Modwen has secured planning consent to redevelop Finsley Gate Mill in Burnley.

The work will involve the partial demolition and conversion of the mill into 18 new townhouses.

The plans also include a new public space linking to a footbridge over the Leeds Liverpool canal.

Work is due to start in the New Year with the removal of a large part of the mill. Some of it, along with the chimney, will be restored and used for a commercial purpose such as a restaurant.

The developer said the scheme also allows it to bring forward a nearby residential scheme with 149 homes which already has consent. This is on the site of the former Healey Royd Mill which was acquired by St Modwen with Finsley Gate in 2005.

Development director Steven Knowles said: “The planning consent is an important step forward for Burnley and will bring in new job opportunities and investment into the town. The scheme will bring forward new homes to Burnley and will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.”

Mike Cook, Burnley Council’s director of economic regeneration, said: “The Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Weavers’ Triangle area are important assets for Burnley and we need to make the most of them. Canalside redevelopment is one of the council’s key regeneration priorities and vital to the town’s future. The planning approval for St Modwen’s proposals is an important step toward transforming this area of the canal.

“The St Modwen plans for the former Finsley Gate Mill will transform this area of the canal and complement the On The Banks development also underway within the Weavers’ Triangle. The Weavers’ Triangle area is coming alive again and with the planned new homes, offices, restaurants and leisure and educational facilities it set to become a vibrant area of the town.”