A former restaurant and pub could be turned into eight flats.

Planning permission already exists for the former New Bridge pub in Manchester Road, Haslingden, to be turned into four flats, with a more recent application by Ruth Endacott proposing an extension be built for an additional four flats, to form eight in total.

A planning statement submitted to Rossendale Council reads: “The former public house has been approved under planning for conversion to four flats.

“Pre-development conditions have been discharged, the works to convert the premises have commenced and the planning permission has therefore been implemented.

“The existing building will be extended with a two-storey addition to provide four apartments in addition to those previously approved.

“The surrounding area is slowly improving. The poor state of the subject site is limiting improvement of the area.

“The proposal will positively inject life to the area and the development will provide residential accommodation within convenient distance of services and amenities including bus routes, shops and schools.

“The previous consent to convert the former public house to flats does not in itself provide sufficient economic return from investment. To enable the scheme to be financially viable, the additional four flats are required.”

The statement goes on: “The premises to be extended are of conventional construction built on two floors with part basement under, constructed c. mid to late 19th century.

“The roof is simple dual pitched slated roof and enclosing walls are of substantial coursed masonry.

“Intermediate floors are of suspended timber formation and the ground floor is solid.

“There is a former two storey building now substantially removed; the remnants of enclosing walls are still present at low level.

“The structure is built coextensive with the back of footpath to Bridge Street and is part back to earth.

“There is a part surfaced car park approached from Bridge Street.

“The existing vehicle access from Bridge Street will be retained and modified to accord with the local highway authority specifications.

“The existing hardstanding will be resurfaced and laid out to accommodate 10 parking bays, compliant with Rossendale Parking standards.

“Landscaping beds will be provided to screen and soften the hardstanding as indicated on the drawings.

“External pathways around the buildings are to be provided in concrete pavers or other approved materials.

“External lighting will be provided fixed to the new and retained buildings. This would provide security for users.

“Street lighting will provide illumination for footpaths coextensive with road frontages.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the application can do so via Rossendale Council’s website.