A BLANK wall design for an extension to Towneley Hall, Burnley, has been criticised as "inappropriate".

Coun Roger Frost, chairman of the Burnley Civic Trust, told colleagues on the council's development control and highways sub-committee of concerns about the proposed design of the £1.4 million scheme.

The Civic Trust had no wish to oppose the application but they had considerable concerns about the design.

He said: "There is a huge blank wall below a line of windows. Although on the artist's impression it is disguised by planting it is inappropriate. There is a lecture hall and educational centre proposed with no windows at all."

The Civic Trust is also unhappy about the proposed pitch of the roof and English Heritage are said to share their concerns.

He added: "The glass link between the Hall and new building is not appropriate to the site. We want people to improve the design."

Chairman Coun David Halsall said the report to committee was for information and that the publicity and consultation period for the scheme was continuing. Eventually the application will be referred to the Secretary of State.

The scheme won a £1.1million Heritage Lottery Fund grant for the two-year improvement scheme, which costs £1.4 million. It involves building a new wing on the museum and art gallery, to celebrate the museum's centenary in 2002.

The new building will include offices and a shop which will move out of the Hall and include additional facilities including a lecture theatre, library, exhibition preparation area and new toilets. Access to the Hall will be improved and vacated rooms will be made available for display.

The committee was told that the alterations had been designed to minimise impact on the Grade 1 listed building.