A former church which has been empty for three years could become a group of houses if plans are approved.

The building, on the corner of King Lane and Lowergate in Clitheroe, was last used by the Salvation Army as a place of worship, a charity shop, and ancillary accommodation.

The Salvation Army now occupy the building opposite the one related to the proposals, on Lowergate.

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As well as changes inside the building to make it into three separate homes, the proposal also involves alterations to the building exterior.

This includes replacing the display windows on the ground floor with domestic-scale windows to match the pattern of window openings above; renewing the existing doors, windows and render; removing shop signage; and inserting roof lights.

A planning statement submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council said: “The proposed changes have been designed sensitively and are the least required to facilitate the conversion of the building to residential use.

“The refurbishment of the building will have a beneficial impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the nearby listed buildings.

“The public benefits of the development are clear. It will provide three much needed one bedroom apartments in the town centre which is a highly sustainable location.

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Similar developments have been approved close to and with the town centre, within the Clitheroe conservation area and within the setting of nearby listed buildings.

The former shops in Pimlico Road were granted permission to be converted to dwellings in 2017.

To view the plans in full or to leave a comment on them, visit the council’s planning website.