PLANS to renovate of one of the Ribble Valley's oldest mills, which could potentially bring more than 100 jobs into the borough, is set to be turned down by councillors.

Applicant James Warburton, of Emporia Leisure Ltd, wants to transform the Holmes Mill in Clitheroe into a 31-bedroom hotel with a restaurant, bar, bakery, function room, two retail outlets and a gym and spa leisure complex.

The applicant will also make 19 car parking spaces available.

The proposed plan, which would see 62 full-time employees and 50 part-time members of staff taken on, has been recommended for refusal by planning officers on the grounds of insufficient parking and an inadequate flood risk assessment, despite support from residents.

In a document to be presented to the planning committee, a planning officer said: "Lancashire County Council concluded the number of parking spaces provided should equate to 331.

"It is concluded that there is a serious shortfall in parking spaces and this alone would warrant a recommendation for refusal.

"The submitted flood risk assessment does not provide a suitable basis for assessment to have been made of the flood risks for the proposed development."

The Grade II listed site on Greenacre Street is made up of two spinning mills founded in 1823 and 1830 with one of the buildings being temporarily occupied by the Bowland Beer Company.

Despite the refusal, there has been support for the proposed plans from residents and councillors.

Three letters of representation were received by the council which gave general support for the principle and the retention of the building for employment use.

Clitheroe Cllr Mary Robinson said: "I cannot think of a better use for the mill.

"I hope the council negotiate with James and get everything right.

"All we have now is an empty building stuck in the middle of town, no one will come along and build another mill on there will they."

A spokesman for Emporia Leisure Ltd was unavailable to comment.

The decision on the application will be made by councillors at Clitheroe Town Hall in Church Street on Thursday.