A DISTINCTIVE landmark left to deteriorate in Stoneclough could be saved as part of proposals for a development of luxury apartments.

Vale house in Market Street was once the lavish home of the Fletcher family, who owned the mill across the road.

It was turned into a social club for workers in the 1920s but after closing in 1987, had been left empty and has since fallen into decline.

As revealed in the BEN, the building has been targeted by vandals and arsonists, and is now an empty, broken shell.

Residents, particularly members of the Stoneclough Women's Institute have expressed their concern about the state of the house for more than 10 years.

And there was disappointment at the prospect that the building may have to be pulled down for safety reasons.

However, a development company who bought the site, including the house, earlier this year, has revealed plans to preserve the distinctive frontage of the building, which is listed.

The company, Engleford Ltd, with offices in Horwich and the Isle of Man, has submitted an application to renovate and build apartments within the existing building, saving its decorative front.

Under the proposals, the building will be demolished in part, but the remainder completely refurbished and repaired, restored back to former glories.

About nine apartments would be created with a further 14 new properties built within the now dilapidated grounds.

A spokesman said: "The plans are all subject to approval. But if given the go ahead it will be a superb site when finished.

"A price for the properties has not yet been decided but they will not be in excess of £200,000. They will be built to good specification and aimed at the middle market.

"We hope if planning permission is given the development will be a great addition to the area.

"Vale House is a listed building but has suffered extensive fire damage and we have had discussions with planning and conservation officers and engineers about our proposals because of the dangerous state of the site."

The planning application has been submitted and is expected to go before councillors within the next two months.