AN HISTORIC mill will be demolished sooner than expected after a Government inquiry into plans to build homes on the site was cancelled.

Bolton Council approved plans to tear down the Beehive Mills, in Great Lever, to make way for 121 houses almost a year ago, but the building’s grade II listed status meant that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government would have to give the final go-ahead.

A six-day inquiry had been set for this November and the delays to the project were causing frustration among councillors.

But, after further discussions with the council, the Government has now agreed to hand back control over the decision to Bolton Town Hall.

Council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “This is excellent news and proves that we are looking to develop brownfield sites. We mean it when we say that brownfield sites should be developed first.”

The mills, which date back to 1895 and 1902, were described as an eyesore when councillors confirmed their support for Arndale Properties’ plans last year.

In a surprise announcement at the end of today's planning committee meeting, council planning chief Paul Whittingham revealed: “Further discussions have taken place between the council and consultees, and an agreed approach has been presented to the Secretary of State. The inquiry has now been cancelled.

“The Secretary of State has returned the determination to the council and officers will progress that.

“There is still some work that needs to be undertaken in terms of the conditions and the section 106 agreement.”

Cllr Norman Critchley said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ by the news, especially given that the council has lost its battle at recent planning inquiries that have given the green light to building plans on green space.

He added: “I am absolutely disgusted at some of the decisions that have been made. It really doesn’t take account of the land that we have got which has been given planning permission.”

Planning officers had previously recommended the application to tear down the mills be refused because the ‘bar’ for a grade II listed building was set high.