PLANS to breathe new life into a town centre have come a step closer to reality.

Rossendale planning officials are recommending approval for an outline application for a 22-bed care home on land off Yorkshire Street in Bacup.

Developer Krinvest Ltd wants to redevelop the unused site, which was occupied by the now demolished Bacup Health Centre.

It comes after hopes of a brighter future for the site of a former leisure hall in Bacup suffered a blow.

Proposals to redevelop the former Bacup Leisure Hall, known as Bacup Hub, on Burnley Road were refused this month by Rossendale Council.

Blackburn-based Euro Garages’ application for a drive-through retail outlet and filling station was blocked by planning officers under delegated powers.

The council report for the Yorkshire Street application says: “The proposed location is within a highly prominent area of the Bacup Conservation Area, some 50 metres to St James Square, which is a key focal point within the town centre.

“With the former building having been demolished the site lies unused and therefore the development would present an opportunity for reuse.

“The conservation officer notes that the design of the proposed centre is simple and reflects an element of the local style through materials and proportions.

“The height is appropriate and does to an extent mirror the surrounding listed buildings going into the town centre.

“The simple stone boundary wall fronting Yorkshire Street is acceptable and to some extent reflects the historic stone walls in the area.” The report notes that possible concerns can be secured through planning conditions.

It adds: “With regards to heritage and design, the proposal accords with the council’s core strategy.

“The proposed development would not have a detrimental impact upon the conservation area and neighbouring listed buildings and would represent a positive element to the conservation area, subject to conditions requiring samples of materials to be made available before the start of construction.”

Cllr James Eaton, who sits on the planning committee, said he expected the application to come before it in December.

He added: “I will look at it with an open mind.”