MULTI-MILLION pound plans for what would be Bolton’s biggest retirement village have been unveiled.

Developers want to demolish the vacant 19th-century Glebe Mill in Library Street, Westhoughton, and create a five-storey storey building of 54 apartments.

They would also build a 53-bed residential care home on the land and 12 two-storey cottages.

Igloo Developments has asked Bolton Council for outline permission for the scheme but company bosses are keeping tight lipped about the details.

Similar developments elsewhere have represented a £16 million investment and created about 50 jobs.

A report to Bolton Council said: “The mill has been unoccupied for several years and has significantly deteriorated in condition.

“The fabric of the building is now badly dilapidated and even dangerous in some areas.”

The cottages and the apartments would be aimed at the over 55s who would live independently but would be able to call on-site staff for help when needed.

The care home would be for older residents with specialist care needs.

Forty-three parking spaces would be created and there is an existing public car park off Bolton Road.

Neil Pike, of Neil Pike Architecture, which is handling the application, said: “This is an important scheme for Westhoughton town centre and demonstrates the confidence the developer has in the town’s regeneration.”

Westhoughton North and Chew Moor Cllr Christine Wild said: “It would allow people to live close to the town centre, which would be convenient for them and good for local trade.

“The mill is an eyesore and it would be a good location for this type of development.

“The only possible downside is the probable increase in traffic.

“I would hope that, if permission is granted, the developer produces a detailed traffic and access plan at a later stage.”