A PLAN for a McDonalds-style burger bar and takeaway in a cobbled conservation area looks to have had its chips, despite a claim it could revive a "dying" area.

Planners are strongly opposing an application to open the restaurant in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, where workmen are exposing the original cobbled surface as part of a heritage programme.

The proposal is for the former Dewhursts butchers shop in the centre of the street's prime row of shops which has been empty for three years.

Agents say they have struggled to let the shop, despite slashing the rent and offering a first rent-free year.

And they have told planners: "Bank Street is, frankly, dying."

They claim a restaurant and takeaway would "provide late evening viability to the area" and deter ramraiders who have struck over recent years at several shops.

The would-be owners say they aim to sell the sort of food available in a McDonald's-style restaurant with children's meals from as little as £1.25 and adult meals costing up to £10 for a set menu for four. They say: "Our intention is not to provide an establishment which is little more than a glorified chip shop."

But Valley planning officers saying the current improvements to Bank Street make the prospect of letting the unit as a shop much more likely.

Chief planning officer Philip Cunliffe says: "I do not consider the agent's or the applicants' assertion that Bank Street is dying to be true." He adds that fewer shops are empty now than two years ago and does not consider "that any use is better than nothing."

His report maintains: "Works undertaken by the council to repair the road and pavement surface, replace street lighting and remove street clutter from Bank Street aim to improve the quality of the town centre and to create a more vital, viable town centre with the focus on speciality shopping in an attractive environment."

Mr Cunliffe is also concerned that nearby residents could be annoyed by fumes from the shop.

He also says plans to store food waste behind the cafe for a week, then carry it through the store to the pavement for collection are unsuitable.

The council's planning sub-committee will decide on the application on Wednesday.

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