A FORMER Burnley primary school is set to be transformed into flagship' housing if plans get the green light.

Developers want to turn the disused Wood Top Infant School, Cambridge Street, into eight apartments, to be built within the existing building, and seven terraced townhouses, to be built in the playground.

Rawtenstall-based developers Aspire Homebuilders have submitted the plans to Burnley council and they will be discussed by councillors on the development control committee later this year.

The school closed seven years ago after it was one of three highlighted in an area of falling pupil numbers.

It was also subject to special measures following a critical OFSTED report in May in which the school's strengths were said to be far outweighed by its many weaknesses.

The development was highlighted in the South West Burnley area action plans developed as part of the Elevate plans three years ago. There will be new housing developed across most of the area, and properties along Accrington Road will be face lifted as part of gateway improvements.

Access through the pedestrian tunnel under the motorway will be improved through environmental enhancements.

Developers are in discussion with the council over the details and a decision on the school development is expected in September.

Steven Hartley, agent for Aspire Homebuilders, said: "It is a very attractive building but it's in a sorry state at the moment, it is empty and boarded up.

"The idea is to keep the facade as it is and convert the buiding into a flagship development for the area. We hope this will set the standards for others to follow in an area that is being regenerating by the Council.

"The new buildings will be in keeping with the character of the school."