A ground floor office is to be converted into a bar and bistro after new plans were approved by the council.

In February, Tim Craig of Tim Craig Loss Assessors in Bacup Road, Waterfoot submitted an application to Rossendale Council seeking permission to change the use of the existing ground floor at 717 Bacup Road from an office into a drinking establishment and bistro.

The first floor of the building is currently being used by two employees of Tim Craig Loss Assessors to carry out their business, with the ground floor being used as a breakout area with sofas/chairs providing access to the interior staircase.

A planning statement submitted alongside the application says: “The ground floor presently acts as ‘dead space’ and the applicant has carefully considered utilising this space for the benefit of local the economy and local residents.

“This full planning application comprises the intention to serve soft and alcoholic drinks as well as serving simple cold food to consume on the premises (such as cold tapas, cheese, breads).

“The applicant will apply for the relevant licences for these uses.

“All proposed development would be internal and there would be no external works changing the appearance of the ‘shopfront’.”

On Thursday (April 13), the council approved the plans, which will see the new bistro opening from 4pm until 12am on Thursdays and Fridays, 12pm until 12am on Saturdays and 12pm until 10pm on Sundays.

The statement concluded: “The proposal would deliver a modern change of use of benefit to the local economy through the creation of new jobs and a new small business which the applicant should be commended for.”