COUNCILLORS look set to block a building society plan to switch to a new office in the heart of Accrington town centre.

The Skipton Building Society, currently in Blackburn Road, is seeking change of use permission for an empty tobacconists in Union Street.

However, the proposed premises are in an area allocated as the primary shopping zone of Accrington town centre, says a report to Hyndburn development services committee tomorrow.

Councillors are being recommended to refuse the change of use to a building society which would lead to a drop in the amount of retail floor space available within the town centre.

The building society says changing shopping patterns within the town centre have led to a decline in the level of occupancy in Blackburn Road.

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