THE owner of premises earmarked for a Padiham health club today hit out at rumours that a brothel was to open at the site.

The man, who would only give his name as Mr Musso, of Burnley Road, Padiham, said fears about a planning application for a private members health club in premises on Burnley Road in the town were totally unfounded.

He went on: "If someone wanted to do something which was not above board, they would not go through and get official planning permission.

"How could you possibly open a brothel? It is absolute nonsense."

Mr Musso said the opening of the health club would have a positive affect on the area.

"People there are sick to death of the empty properties in the area. There are 25 to 30 empty shops in Padiham.

"Do we keep letting the shops get into disrepair or should we try to bring in other businesses into the town? Padiham is a ghost town." It surely makes more sense to bring businesses in and I have 150 signatures from local people saying that."

He added: "It is up to the planners to decide. My priority is leasing the property out."

The row over the application broke out after a planning application was submitted to Burnley Borough Council. It will be discussed by members of the development control committee next Thursday.

James Dunn, who is director of Prestige Beds, situated next door to the property, is among those who have objected to the scheme.

He said he feared the description of a private member's health club on a planning application could be laid open to interpretation.

He said: "The description was very vague. I felt that this was going to be unsavoury."

The Burnley and District Chamber of Trade highlighted the application at their June 10 meeting and said it was causing concern.

But Mr Musso reassured people the club will be a legitimate unisex health club with sunbeds, saunas, a jacuzzi and a sports injury clinic.