CAMPAIGNERS who fought for ten years to save Colne's Hartley Hospital were praised as a scheme to transform the building into a retirement village finally got the go ahead.

The plan to convert the former hospital and its grounds into nine flats, 53 homes and communal facilities was the last chance to save it from the bulldozers, councillors were told last night.

Owners Ribble Enterprises were granted planning permission to transform the crumbling hospital, which was a gift to the people of Colne by benefactor Sir William Hartley, bringing years of speculation and campaigning to an end.

Former Colne councillor Tony Greaves told Pendle Council's Colne area committee: "It's been ten years since that building was empty and it's got in a bad way. In another three or four years it will be completely derelict.

"This council could not stop the owners from demolishing it if they wanted to. I think this scheme is the best we're going to get.

"I would like to thank everyone in the town who has fought for this hospital."

He said every effort by the council to find an alternative use for the hospital had been blocked by higher authorities. Councillor Jo Belbin added: "I regret it's got to this stage but as far as Hartley is concerned this is the best chance it has."

The main building will be converted into eight flats and a warden's flat on the first and second floors and communal facilities such as a lounge, hairdresser's, library and fitness room, which will be run by Staffordshire Housing Association.

The hospital wing's and outbuildings will be demolished to make way for 53 private homes aimed at the over-55s who, along with residents of the neighbouring Hartley Homes flats, will be able to use the communal facilities.

Permission was granted on several conditions, including saving a mosaic crest in the main building's entrance lobby, measures to slow traffic on the access along Alma Road, improvements to visibility at the Alma Road/Keighley Road junction and screening between the new homes and Hartley Homes to protect residents' privacy.

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