BUSINESSES have welcomed plans to revive a development which could see a former mill in a rural North Lincolnshire town transformed into 50 new apartments.

Plans to transform Gleadalls Mill in Station Road, Kirton-In-Lindsey, were given the green light in September 2007, but the development never got off the ground due to the credit crunch.

But it's developers have now resubmitted the plans and have confirmed they are committed to finding a solution and plan to deliver the project.

The scheme would see the former mill converted into 50 apartments, plus the erection of a three-storey building for use as 11 garages and four commercial office spaces.

Kirton Mayor Councillor Billy Boyd said: "That part of town near the railway station is not used very often, so it might bring new life and footfall into the town.

"We have the proper infrastructure there to take it, so I think it's great. The building is derelict, so it isn't being used."

Kirton hairdresser Susan Ball, 34, of Christine's Hair Fashions, said: "I suppose a development of 50 apartments would bring more people to the town."

A Kirton pensioner, who did not wish to be named had a mixed response to the plans.

She said: "I'm not all for development because its urbanising our little town. It used to be like a little family, but now there is so much development going on.

"But it is good that the mill building is going to be saved.

"I think people will continue to shop out of town."

In a statement submitted with the revised planning applications, Gordon Tulley, of Investorin, said: "North Lincolnshire Council's latest strategic housing data shows a clear need for apartments in Kirton-In-Lindsey and we believe this development will help deliver that need."

He said that shortly after obtaining planning in September 2007, the credit crunch hit and the ongoing problems of sourcing development funding held the project back. But he said they were committed to revive it.

"We have had several meetings with North Lincolnshire Council strategic housing team and regional RSL and also separately with Yorkshire Forward for the managed office element, but funding is still difficult at the moment. However, there are signs of improvement.

"We would therefore like to seek an extension to our planning, as we are still committed to finding a solution and delivering the project," he added.

A target date for a planning decision has been earmarked for October.