CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert the vacant Rossendale Magistrates’ Court into housing have been passed, despite parking concerns.

Developer Mr Z Khan has been given the go-ahead to transform the former courthouse, in Oakley Road, into 11 apartments.

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Homeowners, community groups and businesses had objected the scheme, but members of Rossendale Council’s development control committee passed the application by four votes to two.

Last year, a similar scheme to turn the court into nine apartments was approved, although work on the development never started. An additional floor has been inserted as part of the new plans, but the external appearance of the building will remain the same.

Neighbours in Ashdale Lea Lodge, B&E Boys, which owns the attached Grade II-listed St Mary’s Chambers, and Rawtenstall and District Senior Citizens’ Association, all flagged up concerns about parking provisions if the revised scheme went ahead.

But planning agent David Hancock said: “There is at present 28 public spaces available on Haslingden Road and no restrictions for on-street car parking.

“In addition we have contacted The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Masonic Hall with a view to buying some land to convert to car parking spaces. Responses are awaited.”

The building heard criminal cases and private prosecutions until March 2011 in a main court and tiny annexe court. Lancashire County Council’s highways department said the development would ideally require 13 car parking spaces and 11 cycle storage spaces.

Addressing the issue, planning officer Neil Birtles said: “To increase the number of flats and bedroom numbers from those of the permitted scheme to those now proposed will not cause significantly greater detriment for highway safety or for neighbours.

“Accordingly, though I can appreciate the concerns that have been expressed about the lack of parking provision, it remains my view that it is important to secure re-use of this building.”