DETAILED plans for Bacup's new police station look set to be turned down by councillors at a meeting tomorrow.

Lancashire Police Authority was granted outline permission to demolish the former Horace's nightclub, off Market Street, and replace it with the new station last March, but the detailed plans are recommended for refusal at a meeting of Rossendale Council's development control committee.

The authority wants to construct a new building at the site, which closed in 1997 due to lack of business.

The state-of-the-art station would house 80 officers, including community beat managers and police community support officers.

It would replace the current building in Union Street, which is more than 100 years old.

But according to a council report, English Heritage have asked for justification about why the current building, which is within the Bacup Conservation Area, is not suitable for the proposed use.

The Bacup Consortium has also raised concerns about the proposed building materials, including synthetic sheeting for the roof which the consortium would like to see in slate or stone.

Their response states that the constortium does not object to the demolition of the existing building if it is functionally unsuitable, but to the design of the replacement building.

But it states: "The perimeter fence of galvanised steel will present a depressing aspect viewed from Market Street which is our most important gateway entrance to the town centre."

The council report recommends refusal because "the proposed building by virtue of its design and materials would be out of keeping and character within the Bacup Conservation Area".

It also states that the plan fails to include mobility car parking spaces and details relating to drainage.

A separate application for Conservation Area Consent is recommended for refusal on the grounds that the existing building is capable of contributing to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

The application will be considered at a meeting of Rossendale Council's development control committee at the Astoria at 6.30pm tomorrow.