AN impassioned plea to save the Empire Theatre fell on stony ground as Burnley Council planners gave the green light to plans for a cafe bar.

Full details of proposed alterations to the Edwardian premises, which has been a theatre, cinema and bingo hall in its 90 year history, will have to be submitted to the council before the applicant's London company Valdean can begin to act on the change of use permission they were granted.

Colin Sanderson, chairman of Burnley Light Opera, which has also submitted a planning application for the St James Street premises, addressed the committee to call for the building to remain used as a 1,400 seater theatre. He said: "The Empire is now the only building in the North of East Lancashire large enough for professional touring companies to use."

Elizabeth Baines, representing the applicant, and Leslie Wetherall, secretary of owners Victorian Opera House Limited, both voiced their support for the cafe scheme.

Mr Wetherall said: "Theatres in the UK are having cash problems and a number are facing closure. How can a theatre in Burnley be considered viable?"

Head of planning Karen McCabe pointed out that there were no real planning grounds for refusing the change of use and that even if the premises was eventually used as a theatre it would still require some alterations to the building.

Coun Gordon Birtwistle said: "I will be disappointed to say the least if this building is changed into a nightclub. They say theatres are going downhill but it is very difficult to get a seat in a Manchester theatre."

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