Plans to demolish historic Century Mill and build 106 homes at the site

Plans have been submitted to demolish Farnworth’s historic Century Mill to make way for 106 new homes.

Westchurch Homes Ltd have lodged proposals to knock down the 72,000 sq ft building and chimney, which has stood in the town for more than a century.

In supporting documents published by Bolton Council this week, the developer said the mill, which stands on a four-acre site on George Street, ‘is in poor condition with broken and boarded up windows, overgrown vegetation and signs of vandalism’.

Built in the early 20th century for ring spinning, the mill was taken over by the Lancashire Cotton Corporation in the 1930s and passed to Courtaulds in 1964.

It has since been split into units for non-textiles use with Westchurch saying there is currently an MOT garage and skip hire business based on the site and several small garages in the buildings along the site’s northern border.

In March 2018, the mill was listed for auction at a guide price of £1.5 to £2 million plus fees.

At that time the mill, which is not listed, had been sub-divided in to 46 lettable units with the first and second floors vacant.

The mill’s chimney is also currently used to house telecommunications equipment.

A planning statement from Westchurch set it their intentions for the site.

It said: “This application seeks full planning permission for 106 affordable homes.

“The proposals include the demolition of Century Mill and associated chimney resulting in the on-site relocation of telecommunication equipment.

“The proposals also include the demolition of other buildings on site located mainly along the northern boundary.

“In addition, works necessary to form a new access from George Street and driveways to the proposed properties with direct access on to George Street.

“The 106 proposed homes comprise a mix of one, two, three and four bed detached, semi-detached, terraced properties and apartments. All units with private rear gardens.

“All dwellings are proposed to be affordable homes, which will ultimately be owned and operated by a registered provider.”

The plans say 56 of the 106 proposed homes are three-bedroom.

The new estate would be accessed from a new road junction from George Street.

Bolton Council planners will deliberate on the plans at a date yet to be decided.

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