A FAMOUS Padiham landmark could be turned into housing if new proposals are successful.

Plans have been submitted to convert the Grade II listed National School building in Burnley Road, currently occupied by Prestige Beds, into retail units and 13 flats.

The applicant, Frost and Co Estate Agents, said its scheme would have 'a positive impact' on Padiham town centre.

The ground floor of the National School dates back to 1830, with the upper floor built in 1854, before the Co-operative Society took over the building and extended it in 1903.

In its planning statement, Burnley-based Frost and Co, said: "The present scheme would address the underlying impact of under-use within the building, by a sympathetic conversion which would have a positive effect on the building’s exterior, through the retention of existing elevations, openings and details, including the Edwardian shop front to Burnley Road."

The site falls within Padiham Conservation Area but the developer stressed that restoration work would have 'no meaningful negative impact'.

It added: "New work would be required at the south-east elevation to restore this wing’s original height, and this would be executed in a distinctively modern, plain style, which is not intended to imitate historic fabric, but would contribute positively towards the variety of window forms which the building already displays.

" A new entrance will be provided at the upper end of the Burnley Road frontage which would be inserted through the modern shop front here, with no loss of any historic fabric."

Burnley Council's draft conservation area appraisal highlighted the need for improvements of the building's Mill Street frontage.

The report added: "The building would benefit from a comprehensive scheme to bring under-used floor space back into use and restore the building’s fabric and appearance."

Prestige Beds, which has four East Lancashire stores, is re-locating after 40 years at the site.