A DISUSED hotel that just 'sprang' up could soon be transformed into new luxury homes.

A planning application for The Howard Arms in Whittle-le-Woods has been sent to Chorley Borough Council.

Heapey-based Primrose Holdings 1995, the applicants, have proposed turning the building into 10 luxury properties -- probably apartments or mews-type houses.

The news has been welcomed by local folk and historians who are happy to see the place saved and redeveloped.

The Howard Arms, Dark Lane, formerly a Burtonwood Brewery pub, has a rich history indeed. It was built as a result of the discovery of local springs there in 1836.

Local historian and author Jack Smith, of Croston, takes up the tale: "The water was found to be quite palatable and was enjoyed by local people, only, for some time. In the mid-1840s however, the properties of the spring water were discovered.

"The mineral water spring soon grew in fame and a garden was laid out with a circular conservatory-type building erected where water could be drunk form the spring. By 1847 a hotel was built to accommodate the people who came to the partake of the water of this Whittle Spring.

"It was described as an alkaline and calybeate spring. The hotel had several pools filled with the spring water where visitors bathed to receive the health-giving properties of the water. It was in fact a true spa.

"There was even a notice board at Chorley Railway Station saying 'Alight here for Whittle Springs'."

A brewery was later established there later in the 19th century known as the Whittle Springs Brewery which made its beer form the spring water.

Eric Bell, Whittle-le-Woods ward councillor, said: "We are happy with the development. There are just one or two things in the grounds we would like to discuss."

The plan is due to go before Chorley Borough Council's development control committee.