A BID for a new cocktail bar in a former East Lancs village bank is raising worries about noise, car parking and over-development.

Licensing proposals have been drawn up for the Thyme Wine and Cocktail Bar at an old bank in Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth.

The former bank building has also previously used by an accountancy firm and a home care business.

Gabi A Wehbe and Mary Wehbe are behind the bid, to be debated by Rossendale Council's licensing committee on Monday.

Plans have also been drawn up for interior seating, tables and a bar, as previously reported.

Meanwhile the licensing application seeks permission for live and recorded music between noon and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Alcohol sales are wanted between noon and 11pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, noon to 10pm on Thursdays, noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10pm on Sundays.

In the bid, the applicants state: “Training will be written and under constant review and available to the relevant authority. No member will be permitted to sell alcohol until successfully completing this training, which consists of penalties, age policies, signs of drunkenness and licensing objectives.”

Two residents have complained about potential noise and disturbance. Another has raised issues from the past and questioned the need for a new venue

One objector said: "With three well-run pubs and a bar and bistro in the village, there is already ample provision for those who wish to drink or listen to live music.

"The addition of this bar with live music and open until midnight on some nights can only cause noise and disturbance to residents.

“With zero parking available to the premises, this will undoubtedly become a nuisance to those who live in the vicinity. The

public car park opposite is already used by residents and only has six or seven spaces.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, has concerns in her role as a ward councillor.

She said:  “Residents of some locations have experienced previous noise issues with another licensed premises within very close proximity over a protracted period (five years), which required the involvement of police to reach a suitable resolution.

“564 Burnley Road is probably the largest commercial building in the village. The floor space is significant. Siting a cocktail bar and live music venue could result in large number of people visiting. On leaving the bar/club late at night there will be noise.”

The village is also home to the Masons, The Black Dog, Liz’s Bar and the White Bull.