THIS is the first glimpse of a multi-million pound development planned for the centre of Rawtenstall.

The proposals, by developers Hurstwood, include a 38-bedroom hotel, pub, and 34 apartments, which would be built on the former Accrington and Rossendale College site.

It would be built of natural stone with slate roofs and glass entrance features, while the apartment buildings have been designed to be in keeping with Hardman's Mill.

Hurstwood planning director Daniel Hartley said: "As the site is one of the main gateways to Rossendale it is important that something is done with it, but we recognise that it is vital that whatever happens is right for Rossendale, and capable of implementation.

"A lodge-style hotel will breathe new life into a rundown site which is slowly starting to decay, and bring something new to the town centre.

"We see great potential for this project to succeed.

"It has been designed to be sympathetic to its local surroundings and to address comments made by a planning inspector."

The development will be of a similar scale to the existing facility and the view from the nearby East Lancashire Railway to St Mary's Chambers would be unobstructed. Hurstwood reviewed its original proposals for a six-storey 60-room hotel and 94 apartments, which Rossendale Council turned down.

Mr Hartley added: "We have been in detailed talks with the council before submitting this application.

"Access would be directly from the by-pass, so it would improve traffic flows and safety on the St Mary's Way roundabout."

The plans will be discussed by a future meeting of the development control committee.