AN empty mill could be given a new lease of life with plans to transform it into 25 luxury apartments.

An application to redevelop the former textile factory Edenwood in Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, has been submitted to Rossendale Borough Council.

The company behind the move fears the site, already a haven for vandals, could become a blot on the landscape, if plans are rejected.

Its proposal is to retain the look of the building but convert it into 25 two-bedroomed loft style apartments. The current roof would be replaced by glass-fronted penthouses.

The mill's car park would be used for residents and the whole project would be self contained within the current grounds. The Edenwood factory is already screened by natural woodland, with mature trees forming a natural border.

The mill has been empty since 2001, when owners Turnbull and Stockdale switched operations to a nearby factory in Chadderton. Since then, the company has appointed a commercial property agent in a bid to attract new industrial business to Edenwood, but its efforts have proved unsuccessful.

A company spokesman said: "The last thing we want is for the mill to become an eyesore.

"Apartments will bring new life to Edenwood and provide much needed housing in the area."

The site was first used for textile production in the early 1800s. In the early part of the last century the factory was extended and developed as a dyeing facility for the Turnbull and Stockdale Limited, to compliment their weaving, bleaching, printing and distribution activities.

Between 1968 and 2001 the Edenwood factory was solely used as a specialist hand block printing unit.

The apartments are expected to range from £250,000 to £400,000.