A plan to convert a Salterforth mill into 14 flats has been given the go-ahead.

Members of the West Craven Area Committee have approved plans by Broughton Estates Ltd to convert the former Silentnight office building, on Earby Road, into ten two-bedroom flats and four one-bedroom flats.

The plan also includes car parking which would be accessed off Kelbrook Road.

The application initially provided 32 car parking spaces, but that was amended to 27 when it was presented to councillors.

“I’m not happy with this scheme at all,” said Earby councillor Rosemary Carroll (Cons). “Parking spaces should be increased, not reduced.”

Another Earby ward member, Coun Chris Tennant (Cons), also shared his concerns, which he said had come in the wake of another Salterforth application which was approved earlier this year.

That plan, which borders the site, proposes the construction of 49 homes.

“All of us are concerned about a traffic calming scheme going ahead. That section of road going into Salterforth from Earby will be a difficult place.”

Coun Carroll and fellow Earby councillor Morris Horsfield also voiced their concerns about surface and waste water coming from the site.

But Neil Watson, Pendle Council’s building control and planning manager, said: “Surface water will not be allowed to be discharged into the sewerage system and there won’t be much more foul water and effluent created at the site, as the building is currently occupied by three small businesses.”

Mr Watson added that there was ample space for the developer to increase the car parking spaces for residents and visitors.

Councillors agreed to approve the plan on condition the number of parking spaces was increased to a “realistic level”.