PLANS to build a four-storey hotel on the site of a former pub in Darwen have been given the green light.

Councillors have given the go-ahead for a 34-bed hotel on land previously occupied by the former Frankie’s Bar in Church Street.

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The proposals by Cyberbase Ltd have however caused a row amongst opposing parties, with Labour councillor John Roberts accusing the Conservatives of ‘consistently opposing’ regeneration in the town.

Cllr Roberts, a Darwen representative on both the borough and town council, said: “This will be a tremendous addition to the centre of Darwen, it’s just the sort of regeneration we are trying to encourage.

“I’m pleased this application has gone through but the Tories voting against it is a disgrace.

“Like their position on the three-day market, they are consistent in opposing exciting regeneration of the town.”

A majority of 11 councillors voted for the development with four opting to oppose it.

The hotel is set to have 17 parking spaces, a breakfast room, a bar and a spa.

There will also be new car access in Bank Street and an on-street loading bay opposite St Peter’s Church.

The development is set to rejuvenate the site where Frankie’s Bar was destroyed in an arson attack in November 2012.

The pub lay empty and derelict until an application to demolish it was approved in August last year.

Conservative councillors felt that the hotel could lead Church Street to become a ‘nightmare’ road.

Cllr John Slater said: “I do not agree with the plan at all.

“It’s overbearing and I’d have concerns about traffic.

“During winter the road will be an absolute nightmare.

“There’s just not enough car parking.”

Residents such as Tom and Julie Cummings, who live in nearby Bank Street, also said that they believed there was insufficient parking for a development which would employ 10 full-time and 20 part-time staff members.

Committee member Cllr Jim Casey, who represents Ewood ward, said: “I obviously have more confidence in Darwen than the opposition.

“Darwen has a more vibrant nightlife than Blackburn and the plans would be a great success.”

Cllr Phil Riley, executive member for regeneration, said: “It makes use of a clearly derelict space.

“A lot of people use the Premier Inn in Blackburn, it’s full most nights.

“It shows that a hotel in the town centre of Darwen can be a great success as well.”

Work is set to start soon.