FREEMASONS have applied for permission to expand their base in Rossendale due to growing demand for its use.

Rawtenstall Masonic Hall, at Ashday Lea House in Haslingden Road, could see a rear single-storey extension added if Rossendale Council approves new proposals.

The venue is home to six lodges and is ranked as one of the most important buildings within Rawtenstall Conservation Area.

Duncan Ferguson, treasurer of the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire, said the extension would allow more functions to be held there.

He said: “The application is being handled by Pearson Fraser in Bury and we hope it will be successful.

“There are six craft lodges which use the hall and a number of others from across Rossendale and East Lancashire.”

Although not a listed building, Ashday Lea House, which dates back to 1864, is defined as a “key” site in the the Rawtenstall Conservation Area character appraisal and management proposal plan, which was adopted by Rossendale Council in 2011.

In a planning heritage statement, Mr Ferguson said on behalf of the freemasons: “This extension is needed to free up the internal spaces and restore them as closely as possible to their original condition.

“The new extension is designed to accommodate their kitchens which are currently housed in the original drawing room at the rear of the property. By re-locating the kitchens to a new extension it will allow the original spaces to be converted back to lounge areas serving the main function hall.

“The extension has been placed in a location which is as discrete as possible with minimal visibility from the main building approach and from surrounding areas.

“It is to the little-used rear of the property bounded by heavy landscaping and sloping topography.

“Although very modest and simple in its design, it proposes contemporary materials which will not clash or detract from the original building.”

The house and its associated gardens were purchased by the Rossendale Masonic Association in 1931.

Ashday Lea is also noted as having some negative features, in particular the modern single-storey extension facing Oakley Road.

The heritage statement added: “In summary we feel that the proposals put forward will create minimal impact on Ashday Lea and its surrounding conservation area.

“The proposals will not detract from the main building frontages and side elevations and will allow the building owners to restore the interior.”