A LANDMARK pub, and an icon of the Burnley riots, is to be given a new lease of life after a planning battle victory.

Plans to convert the Duke of York hotel, Colne Road, Duke Bar, into two shops and eight self-contained flats, were rejected last January by councillors.

Borough planners were unhappy abour the lack of car parking afforded to the project and the impact on nearby residents.

But backer Dr Sohail Ashraf lodged an appeal, following the Burnley Coun-cil development control committee decision, which was detemined early last month.

Planning inspector Alexa-ndra Fairclough, allowing the appeal, believed that alternative arrangements existed to mitigate the problem.

Mrs Fairclough said: “The appeal site is located close to the centre of Burnley and is located on a ‘quality bus route’, with stops positioned close by.

“Given the alternative transport options nearby, I consider that the residents of, or workers at the development, would have alternative methods of travel freely available to them.”

The lack of parking would result in residents or shop workers using nearby streets for their cars, the Burnley committee feared.

But Mrs Fairclough said: “The presence of good public transport links would reduce the need for residents to own a car, or for workers to commute in this way.”

The inspector also acknowledged, as did the council, that the building, which is grade II listed, had been derelict for some time and the scheme, as outlined, would contribute to the regeneration of the area.

Before the latest revival bid, the pub had been illegally used as a cannabis farm. It was torched during the 2001 disturbances but did continue for some time as a bar.

Recently it was up for sale with a £420,000 price tag.

Mrs Fairclough said: “I conclude that the proposals would be likely to cause harm to the living conditions of local residents through increased parking pressures.

“However it would benefit the special architectural and historic interest of the building by bringing it back into active use.”

The plans were welcomed by ward councillor Mohammed Malik who said: “It would be a good thing for the regeneration of that particular area and I will look forward to seeing apartments there.”