APARTMENTS in a Grade II listed building at the gateway to Nelson will be sold privately, developers have confirmed.

Rumours have been circulating that the former Groves Hotel, Manchester Road, could be used to house asylum seekers.

But today Lyndon Monks, who represents developers Wilterton Ltd, said the apartments were for private sale, although the company could not stop asylum seekers buying them.

The hotel, previously known as Spring Cottage, is set to be converted into 14 apartments and three buildings containing a further 38 apartments will be built next to the hotel.

The Home Office has not sent asylum seekers to Burnley and Pendle since the riots in 2001.

Mr Monks said: "The apartments are going to be sold privately.

"I can't stop an asylum seeker buying one of these properties.

"They are for the open market. There is no intention to market them just for asylum seekers or any other minority group.

"We are hoping to build a high quality development around a listed building. It's a fantastic building and will be one of the best developments in the area."

Negotiations over the planning application are on-going between developers and council planning officers.

Councillors delegated power to grant permission to planning officers in October, subject to design details, access improvements and a financial appraisal.