BLACKPOOL'S historic Winter Gardens is set to become a resort casino.

A special provision is to be made in the latest draft of Blackpool's local plan to allow the Winter Gardens to become a gaming palace, despite being outside the specified 'resort core.'

The building's owners, Leisure Parcs, has asked the council not to promote the Winter Gardens as a venue for the resort's new conference centre. It should, they say, focus on a central site -- the former central station is the council's preferred option.

A report by planners to members of Blackpool council's executive, said: "This presents a one-off opportunity to accommodate casino development in the unique and impressive setting of a listed building.

"With sensitive design such use could make a very positive contribution to conserving the historic and architectural quality and character of the building."

However, no change of use will be allowed until 'committed proposals' have been made for a new facility.

Councillors will consider the report at a meeting next Wednesday.