HERITAGE groups fired in strong objections after a new nightclub built an unauthorised fire escape on the side of a protected building.

But Club XPO in Red Lion Street, Burnley, looks set to escape a caning from the council, even though the Civic Trust says the work destroys the simplicity and strength of the listed former Aenon Chapel.

Planning officers are recommending councillors to rubber stamp the work - subject to them agreeing an acceptable design for the staircase.

Removal of stone mouldings to the front entrance of the former chapel are also recommended for approval at tomorrow's meeting of the planning committee.

Exterior changes to the property have brought formal objections from both the Civic Trust and Burnley and District Historical Society.

Council officers say that although the changes will alter the appearance of the building, they do not consider they will harm its character.

"The changes should be balanced against the benefit of bringing this prominent town centre landmark back into use," their report says.

Club XPO opened in Burnley two weeks ago, replacing Angels nightspot, whose Curzon Street premises are to be demolished.

The former chapel - also known as the Moses Building, since previous owner Paul Dew imported a marble statue of Moses from Italy and placed it outside the premises - has been empty for some time, following the collapse of Mr Dew's plans to transform it into a shopping centre.

Aenon was earmarked to become the extension to the nearby central library, but plans were thwarted when Mr Dew outbid Lancashire County Council and snapped it up.

His later offer to sell it to the authority for £2 million was flatly rejected - all part of a running battle between Mr Dew and council authorities.

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