A BID to demolish and redevelop an eyesore town centre site on a main road has been lodged.

The old Oscar Bears Children's Nursery buildings in 7 Accrington Road, Whalley, have lain vacant since the nursery closed in the mid 2000s.

Since then, the buildings have slowly become dilapidated - but plans have now been submitted to bulldoze the structures.

Under the bid, the buildings would be demolished and replaced by a new three-storey building, which would comprise of ground floor retail space and two further floors of office accommodation.

In planning documents on behalf of applicant Tony Stansfield, agents Peter Hitchen Architects, said the development demonstrates a 'significant improvement' in the appearance of the site.

"It will contribute to the commercial hub of the village," the documents said.

"The scale and mass of the development is entirely appropriate and will be an attractive addition to Accrington Road which is a primary route into the heart of the village.

"The site is within the Whalley Conservation Area which has two single storey former nursery buildings which are in a dilapidated condition within the curtilage. "

Applicant Mr Stansfield has attempted to redevelop the site ever since the nursery closed following an unfavourable Ofsted report.

But two separate applications to redevelop the site were refused back in 2011, following concerns the plans would be harmful to the character and appearance to the area.

While similar plans for a new retail and office building were also withdrawn last year.

And the site lies within the Whalley Conservation Area, which has been the subject of controversial developments in the past.

In 2013, plans for a 260-home development and a primary school on land to the east of Clitheroe Road, known as Lawsonsteads, were approved despite fierce opposition from residents, which culminated in a protest.

Concerns included the effect it would have on the appearance of the village and a lack of sewage provision.