A DECISION on whether a former 'talking shop' can be converted into an eating house and pub is expected within a month.

Planning inspector Anthony Davison will rule on an appeal by the Preston-based Inns and Leisure group against Pendle's council decision to refuse permission for the conversion of the Barnoldswick Town Hall building into a public house and restaurant.

Residents joined with councillors and town hall officers to oppose the appeal at a one-day planning inquiry earlier this month.

They told Mr Davison that a pub in the centre of a conservation area would make life unbearable for neighbours and the building was unsuitable for such a purpose.

Residents felt the town already had more than enough hostelries.

Council planning officer Janet Holland said the authority argued the pub plan was inappropriate and would detract from the area if it went ahead, as well as causing noise and traffic problems.

A proposed conservatory at the back of the building would overlook adjacent houses and make life uncomfortable for residents, she added.

Inns and Leisure, which had put forward a number of amended applications after its original submission was rejected by councillors more than a year ago, claimed that many of the concerns could be overcome with careful planning.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.