A FORMER photographic shop and printers is to be expanded to provide office space for businesses in Clitheroe.

Pye's has occupied the York Street site since it opened as a photographic shop in 1918 and has been a printers for the last few years.

Now, new businesses are set to move in after Ribble Valley councillors backed plans for a three-storey extension at the back of the building.

An extension at the back of the shop will be demolished to make way for the development which was given planning permission despite a neighbour objecting on the grounds of diminished light.

The neighbour, who occupies the gable end of a row of terrace houses, said the new extension would block out light to a side window.

Charles Stanton, who acts as agent for the applicant, said: "Twelve to 15 staff were working on the site in the 1970s accompanied by the 'clackerty-clack' of the printing presses.

"Only Mr Pye has been there for the last few years and the priority now is to rescue the building. It will start to decline and become unsafe if nothing is done.

"The development will provide individual units for open-plan offices."

The plans do not include additional off-road parking, but do include bicycle storage and shower facilities.