A FORMER cotton mill is set to be converted into 59 flats, as plans for the development have been given the go ahead.

A total of 50 one-bedroom would be built alongside nine two-bedroom flats according to the proposal, which features an internal gated courtyard, was given the green light by the town hall.

The two four-storey buildings which sit between River Street and Saville Street date back to 1890 but it is not a listed building.

It is believed that the town centre mill belonged to Victorian cotton waste dealer Joshua Barber.

No affordable housing is planned at the development which would be spread across two apartment blocks with a third building accommodating a secure cycle store and a duplex.

The main external facade of the building would be retained but an additional storey to be created on one of the blocks.

A total of 13 parking spaces are to be provided along the Saville Street side of the building which is a five minute walk away from Bolton train station, according to the planning application submitted by Mandale Apartments 5 Ltd, a subsidiary of a developer based in Stockton-on-Tees.

A decision notice was issued on Thursday.