PLANS to convert a landmark former pub into flats and business units have been backed by a councillor.

The application for the former Duke of York pub in Colne Road, Burnley, would see the creation of eight self-contained flats and two commercial units.

In recent years the pub has been a popular site for cannabis growers and it was also targeted during the 2001 Burnley riots.

Councillors have longed called for something to be done with the now derelict building.

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Cllr Shah Hussain, who represents the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward on Burnley Council, said it would be good for the community if renovation work finally took place.

Cllr Hussain said: “There have been several applications on that site in recent years but unfortunately nothing has ever come to fruition.

“I know a few months ago there were several builders coming in and out and doing some work on it.

“I do hope for the sake of the building something does get done

“I am not on the planning committee so I can say I am more than happy for any individual or organisation to come and develop the site.

“It’s a wonderful historic building in a historic area of the town.

“There’s always a need for housing and it would be good to see some new businesses come into the town.”

A spokesman for the applicant, Mr Lee, said in a statement to the council: “The site is vacant and has not attracted any interest to establish its current use even though it is situated close to public transport and is located in a residential area.

“Therefore the current owners are looking to redevelop the site, converting it into two commercial units on the ground floor and eight self-contained flats on the first and second floors.

“End users for the commercial units have not been identified yet so the nature of the commercial use cannot be confirmed.

“The intended use brings this prominent listed building back into a sustainable use with the minimum impact upon its appearance and surrounding users.”

The applicant said in the statement that as there is no car parking at the property and parking would be on road in the surrounding residential area.

Anyone wishing to make representations on the application must do so by Thursday, April 13.

For more information on the plan visit www.burnley.gov.uk.