COUNCILLORS have backed the remodelling of the forecourt at Mercer Hall in Great Harwood.

Hyndburn Council Planning Committee approved the changes to the historic building despite concerns from Baxenden ward's Cllr Kath Pratt whey were 'premature'.

She said that in view of the proposals to decommission as a sports centre and swimming pool as part of a multi-million pound leisure review it would be better to defer consideration of the application,

Cllr Pratt said that scaffolding and other works necessary for the re-purposing of the building could damage the new forecourt,

She said: "We should wait. I think this would be wasting money."

Hyndburn Council's planning boss Simon Prideaux said that internal alterations to the building would not affect the frontage.

He told the committee the proposals would enhance a key public space within the Great Harwood Conservation Area and help establish the importance of the presence of Mercer Hall within it.

The scheme would remove poorly-maintained and weed-infested raised planter flower beds and simplify the area with quality paving and a new seating arrangement.”