A CONTROVERSIAL scheme for shops and flats is being recommended for council approval.

MJB Pension Scheme wants to move the existing Metro petrol station in Gisburn Road, Barrowford, on to the adjacent site of the demolished Halstead textile shuttle factory and build five shops with 11 flats over them on the garage area.

Pendle Council planning officer Barry Maher says in his report: "A retail development of the type proposed would in principle be more likely to improve and enhance Barrowford shopping centre as a whole rather than detract from it."

Mr Maher has recommended the council's Barrowford and Western Parishes area committee to agree planning permission when it meets on January 8.

A scheme to build four shops with nine flats above on the former Halstead Shuttles part of the site was rejected after widespread opposition from villagers, local shopkeepers and the parish council.

Mr Maher said the main issue with the latest plan was whether it would damage the vitality and character of the village shopping centre. He said the site, while separated from other shops by the Fountain Square flats complex, was adjacent to the village centre.

A separate plan to build a four-storey block of eight homes behind the Metro filling station is also recommended for approval. The scheme would create six three-storey maisonettes with two penthouses on the top floor on the site of Victoria Mill.

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