A SCHEME to turn Burnley's Empire Theatre into a bistro and bar is set to get the go-ahead, but the battle for future use of the Grade ll listed building is still far from over.

Council planning chiefs are being urged to give the green light to an application by London Company Valdean for a change of use of the Edwardian theatre and former bingo hall. But a bigger hurdle for the company will come later when it applies for building consent for changes to the interior - the area principally protected by the listed status.

In the meantime, Burnley Light Opera Society is pressing ahead with a £4.4 million National Lottery-funded scheme to restore the theatre to its former glory and have commissioned a feasibility study on the proposal. However, a report to Thursday's meeting of the council development control committee says that although the theatre use of the building may be preferred, there was no evidence that it would be a viable option and the council has not yet received any application for such use.

The feasibility study was not a public document which could guide members in their decision, although officers say theatre use would best preserve the character of the building.

Valdean's application comes just weeks after the failure of Burnley businessman Michael Cookson's bid to transform the theatre into a Roman Empire nightspot.

His application for a drinks licence was turned down by magistrates and he was ordered to pay £25,000 costs on appeal.

The Valdean plan shows a cafe, bars, restaurant, stage and dance floor. All the schemes are dependent on securing the ownership of the building.

The company says there is no need for major changes to the interior and that the building could easily be converted back to theatre use at some future date.

The report to councillors says that future listed building control could ensure features of interest were protected.

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