HOLLINS Textiles Limited, in Colne, will hear this week whether plans to convert a number of empty offices in to flats at their premises in Walton Lane have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Permission is being sought from Pendle Council to carry out internal and external alterations to form nine one and two bedroom self-contained flats on the upper ground and first floors of Hollins House. Access to the flats would be from Walton Street.

A letter has also been submitted from number 10-12 Walton Street in which the owner has said several points need addressing before the development should be allowed to go ahead.

These include the existing noise pollution from nearby metalworks and from Hollins Textiles' own loading bay, parking and traffic problems in Walton Street and whether there is a need for this type of accommodation.

A report by planning officers to the Colne and District Area Committee, which will consider the plans on Thursday, said: "In considering this proposal there was concern regarding its location immediately next to commercial/industrial uses because of problems of noise and vibration pollution.

"A noise and vibration report has been submitted as part of this proposal and it has been scrutinised by Environmental Health. It is considered from their comments that this proposal will be acceptable as long as the recommendations of this report are fully carried out."

Planners have recommended the development for approval.