THE demolition of an historic mill has been formally approved.

Plans to tear down the grade II listed Beehive Mills, in Great Lever, and built up to 121 homes in their place were expected to be the subject of a Government inquiry later this year.

However, it was revealed last month that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government had called off the inquiry and would be handing responsibility for the decision back to Bolton Council.

Town hall planning chief Paul Whittingham made the announcement at a planning committee meeting in September and the council has now given the official go-ahead for the development.

Arndale Homes wants to build a variety of houses and flats at the site, which has been described as an ‘eyesore’ by councillors when the plans first came before the planning committee last year.

The developer has argued that the demolition of the buildings, which date back to 1895 and 1902, is necessary as there is ‘ no economically viable solution that would allow the buildings to be retained and converted for residential use’.