A TAXI firm looks set to re-open along with a new takeaway at a former Nelson bookmaker's, despite protests from highways experts and neighbours.

But Aqil Khan, of Colne Road, Brierfield, will have to provide written proof of a deal with the owners of Nelson's Admiral Centre allowing him to use designated spaces in the centre's mult-storey car park if he is to get the go-ahead from councillors to open his firm in Railway Street.

His previous premises, also in Railway Street, have been compulsary-purchased by Pendle Council to make way for Nelson's new bus and rail interchange.

In letters and internet comments to Pendle Council, neighbours and rival taxi businesses said the firm would exacerbate parking problems, increase risks of accidents and obstruct emergency vehicles leaving the nearby police station.

There were also allegations in anonymous letters of Mr Khan's firm parking on double-yellow lines in the past, while other objectors said private-hire firms should operate from out-of-town industrial estates, rather than in town centres.

Parking for town centre taxis has to be within 100m of the office under planning rules, meaning the only available space for Mr Khan's six vehicles would be on the top level of the multi-storey car park, which closes to the public at 7pm.

Highways officers from Lancashire County Council warned that the taxi base would only be acceptable if there was written agreement for the shopping centre, and permission would have to be immediately withdrawn if the centre pulled out of the deal.

Pendle Council planning officer Kathryn Hughes said in her report to councillors: "The site is in a town centre location which is seen as an appropriate setting for a taxi office and takeaway.

"There is an issue with parking and highway safety and although the exact spaces in the car park are not shown on the submitted plan, the entrance to the car park is just within the 100m requirement.

"There are no material reasons to object to the application."

Members will make their decision at the meeting of Pendle Council's Nelson Committee on June 2.