CURRY lovers in Burnley could be spicing up their lives at a new Indian restaurant, if plans to convert a landmark pub get the green light.

The former White Hart in Church Street earned its reputation as a live music venue and was a fixture of the town’s blues festival fringe for many years.

But the premises have changed hands a number of times in recent years and it has been closed for most of this year.

Now Mahmood Akhtar has applied to the borough council for permission to change the pub into a restaurant, to be known as Shimla Spice.

Mr Akhtar, alongside his brothers Basharat and Mo, have similar ventures in Keighley and Shipley, West Yorkshire.

Few external and internal modifications are proposed although Mr Akhtar, of Grafton Road, Keighley, wants to paint the outside of the building white.

And a single storey extension is pencilled in for the rear, to create a larger entrance and reception area.

The restaurant would have eating areas at the first and ground floor levels and employ 15 people, 10 of those would be full-time positions.

Currently the upper floor of the pub is used as living accommodation for the landlord. But a staff room and prayer room would also be installed.

Ex-criminology student Rob McLean took on the White Hart last August but was soon driven out following a number of break-ins at the pub.

Church Street venues have enjoyed mixed fortunes in recent times. The Talbot has been relaunched as a live music venue.

But its neighbour opposite, the former Sparrowhawk Hotel, remains empty.

The plan comes as the former Fighting Cocks pub in Cliviger is set to become a new Italian restaurant.