AN environmental campaigner from Rossendale has backed plans to turn a church in Crawshawbooth into flats.

The former Rakefoot Methodist Chapel, in Burnley Road, is currently the base for construction company Barnett Forest Homes.

But the firm has now submitted plans to redevelop the grade II listed building into 12 apartments with car parking.

Dorothy Farrington, a member of the Crawshawbooth Environmental Group, has thrown her support behind the proposals for the sandstone chapel, which was built in 1866 by Woodhouse of Bolton .

She said: "As far as I am concerned the plans can only help improve the area and save the character of the building, which is a feature in the village. The plans are common sense as far as I am concerned. If passed it will mean the old church is cleaned up and restored to its former glory and the graveyard will be tidied up too."

However, Rossendale Council has received 30 letters of objection to the proposals from local residents who are concerned that the development will lead to an increase in traffic and will cause parking problems on York Street and Forest Bank.

Darren Hamer of Barnett Forest Homes said: "The plans include the retention of the building's original features, like the gas lamps and the front doors.

"We believe the overall effect of the project will be to enhance the area for everyone. Our own feeling is that the site would be better suited to residential use, rather than industrial. It would certainly be more in keeping with the locality.

"And, because the parking would be within the grounds, the effect on parking in the neighbourhood would be negligible."

Rossendale Council's development control committee is to consider the proposals when it meets on Tuesday.

Borough planning officers have recommended that members approve the plans.