A SIX-STOREY derelict building in Rawtenstall town centre is set for a new lease of life as a restaurant.

Councillors are being urged to give the go-ahead to the scheme to convert the building at the bottom of Haslingden Old Road, Tup Bridge.

Developers want to convert the bottom four floors which overlook Limy Water and are below road level into a restaurant with the two top floors used as manager's accommodation.,

Rawtenstall Civic Society has told council planners it "unreservedly" supports the scheme for the derelict mid- 19th century building which it considers to be an important element of the town centre conservation area.

But local residents, who for years have been complaining about cooking smells from a nearby Indian takeaway, have opposed the plan

They fear a restaurant could create more smells, noise and parking problems in an already congested area.

The building would have parking only for staff cars but county highways staff say nearby town centre car parks plus a setting down area outside the restaurant should be adequate and discourage diners from parking on Haslingden Old Road.

The restaurant plan also suits council policy to encourage new uses for buildings which are of architectural or historic interest.

Building work would involve widening the pavement connecting St Mary's Way to the public entrance to the restaurant.

The building is not listed but planners are likely to insist on only minimal alterations to the outside.

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