A FORMER textiles mill which became a home for thriving antiques firms is now set to be converted into a care home for the elderly.

Gladwell Care Homes wants to transform Compton Mill, in Compton, Leek, into 66 apartments for people aged over 55.

Up to 25 full-time jobs will be created at the site, which in its heyday saw 600 people employed by Job White – making it the largest producer of head wear in the country.

The building is currently used by Compton Mill Fabrics, Antiques Within and Compton Mill Antiques Centre, owned by Kelly Butler.

Miss Butler, who moved her business into the premises in 1996, said: "We have built up trade over 14 years and people know where we are. I love Leek and we will definitely stay in the town.

"If the application is granted permission we will have two years to find an alternative location. It may be inconvenient but we know where we stand."

The oldest part of Compton Mill, which fronts onto St Mary's Catholic Church, will be retained if Staffordshire Moorlands District Council gives the plans the go-ahead.

The remainder of the property, which was largely rebuilt after a fire in 1964, will be developed with "significant" landscaped gardens.

Congleton-based Gladwell believes provision needs to be improved for the 19,400 pensioners currently living in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

A statement from the firm said: "There is an expectation the population of people aged over 65 will increase by 20 per cent by 2015 and by 42 per cent by 2025. By then Staffordshire Moorlands will require an additional 585 care bed units.

"This development will significantly enhance the local environment within this part of Leek and contribute to the achievement of building a mixed and balanced community. It is entirely appropriate in this location."

The scheme will comprise 14 one-bedroom, 50 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom apartments as well as 31 car parking spaces.

Communal facilities will include a lounge, restaurant, library, IT suite, hairdressers and a gym.

The developer has already held talks with SMDC and Staffordshire County Council.

Residents in neighbouring streets – Duke Street, Cornhill Street, London Street, Compton and Brook Street – have also been consulted.

Compton Mill has been suggested as a home to a supermarket. Campaigners have urged Tesco and Sainsbury's to consider a town centre base, rather than a set-up on the outskirts of Leek.

The application comes just a week after Moorlands Housing began a consultation on plans to put up an 88-apartment complex for the elderly at the former British Trimmings site, in Ball Haye Road, Leek.

Last year, outline planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of nearby Mason's Mill, in London Street, for 96 apartments.

Those proposals, by developer Grindco, include 44 flats for retired people.