AMBITIOUS proposals have been unveiled which could see Bacup’s famous police station - once home to fictional TV heroine Juliet Bravo - turned into a prestigious apartments complex.

Developers have unveiled proposals to convert the former market hall in Bank Street, Bacup, into 16 luxury penthouses.

But agents Neil Pike Architecture have said their further aim is to acquire the adjacent soon-to-be-vacated police station.

The police station achieved national fame as the base for the fictional town of Hartley, home to pioneering inspector Jean D’Arblay (played by Stephanie Turner).

For five years from 1980, with Margaret Thatcher having just assumed power in Downing Street, the inspector battled inherent sexism within the force.

Mr Pike has told Rossendale council planners: “The market hall building has recently been acquired for redevelopment and this planning application is a demonstration of the confidence and vision for the area.

“However it is important that the police station building is brought into use soon after closure, since this will reinforce the regeneration of the locality.

“The applicant is hopeful of establishing a dialogue with a view to purchasing the police station building, in order to undertake a more extensive redevelopment.”

The Lancashire force has signalled it wants to move out of the Bank Street station, following the opening of the new borough centre in Newchurch Road, Waterfoot.

Talks are ongoing over the possible new home for neighbourhood police officers but an office in St James Street, overlooking the bus terminus, is thought to be favourite.

The market hall proposals also include the demolition of an adjoining warehouse and the construction of 12 more apartments in a courtyard arrangement.

The market hall, a grade II listed building dating back to 1867, has been empty for decades and a new two-day market has been established behind the Market Hotel.