A FLAGSHIP shopping and offices development in the centre of Nelson is set to be occupied by a charity shop, it has been revelead.

Bosses at Age Concern asked for permission to move their charity store and insurance office from its current base on Scotland Road to the prestigious Number One Market Street building in Nelson.

The blueprints were originally rejected by Pendle council’s Labour-controlled Nelson area committee, over concerns that it was contrary town centre trading policies.

But the recommendation was overturned by the borough’s development control committee And Labour’s Coun Tonia Barton said: “I just think in these strained financial times it would be inappropriate if we refused planning permission for this.”

Developers Barnfield has insisted that the proposals are a viable solution for Number One Market Street, after months of unsuccessful marketing the site to potential investors.

A spokesman for Barnfield Construction told councillors: “We have tried very hard to let these units both during construction and since, and have had absolutely no takers.

“We have been getting pressure from your members to get someone in the units. There has been no other interest.”

The council’s own contact centre is now located within the complex and up to 100 Government jobs, administering education maintenance allowances, are set to be accommodated there.

One town centre trader, who asked not to be named, said: “The council is putting a charity shop in its flagship development and I think that sends out the wrong message about the future of Nelson.”