homes will be built on the site of a Victorian mill if new plans get the go-ahead.

Developers Stanley Group Holdings Ltd are seeking permission to build on the site of Causeway Mill, Longcauseway, Farnworth.

Planning chiefs have approved the scheme in principle, but deferred a decision for investigations over access and traffic levels on the already congested road.

The mill has two-storey and four-storey sections and there are two Victorian semi-detached houses on the site, one of which is vacant. Derelict land at the mill is often used for illegal fly tipping.

Cllr Norman Critchley told a Bolton Council planning meeting: "I support the development, but I worry about the traffic."

Cllr John Hanscomb welcomed the plans because they would mean regeneration for the area, but said he was concerned about access to the site.

Three letters of objection were received by the council from residents in Philips Avenue and Longcauseway. They were worried about the impact on the footpath at the back of Philips Avenue and fear the plans would increase noise and traffic.

There are no detailed plans yet of the proposed housing scheme, but the developers have said at least 80 per cent of the new homes would be on previously developed land.

Cllr Nick Peel, committee vice-chairman, said: "It would really lift the area, part of which is derelict."