A FORMER pub on a Burnley estate looks set to be converted into a retail store and a takeaway after plans were unveiled by a developer.

Several attempts have been made to find a new owner for the old Shepherd's Arms, in Cog Lane, with it being placed up for auction on a number of occasions.

Now Mujhaid Akbar, of MJA Properties, has lodged an application with the borough council to completely overhaul the premises.

He wants to see the first floor, where the landlord's living accommodation used to be, become a two-bedroom flat and storage area.

Underneath in the main pub area, the building would be split between a retail store and a hot food takeaway.

Mr Akbar, in a planning statement, said: "Over the years the building has fallen into a poor state and requires a major refurbishment to bring it back into use.

"The building has suffered from vandalism in recent times and has been boarded-up for much of the time since its last use. The rear yard area has been used as a dumping ground for household waste.

"The change of use will bring back into use a prominent building and will visually improve the area, which generally consists of a mix of terraced houses and new properties."

He is planning to make internal alterations to the ground and first floors, with a new first floor window on the gable end.

Cllr Tony Martin, who represents the Trinity ward on the borough council, said: "It used to be called The Peeps, after Little Beau Peep.

"It's always sad to see another pub being lost but there has been little interest in reviving it in that area.

"If an applicant wanted to convert it into a store then I would be all for it, just as long as they make proper arrangements for their bins, so we don't have rubbish blowing all the way down Cog Lane."

The site has benefitted from planning permission to be converted for housing since at least 2007. Originally the property was offered for sale with the beer cellar still intact.