PLANNING bosses are set to green light the conversion of a former iconic Burnley pub into flats and shops, in the face of local opposition.

Neighbours to the former Duke of York pub in Colne Road have strongly objected to the creation of eight flats and two retail units at the site due to the lack of parking.

In recent years the pub, which is Grade II listed, has been a popular site for cannabis growers and it was also targeted during the 2001 Burnley riots.

Councillors have longed called for something to be done with the now derelict building, with plans to bring the pub back to life with accommodation and retail discussed.

Residents have submitted a petition to Burnley Council urging committee members to reject a planning application on Thursday, April 27.

The petition signed by 17 people at addresses near to the pub have objected on the grounds that there is no 'car parking or waste removal provision' in the plans.

Lancashire County Council Highways have also expressed concern stating that the 'lack of off street parking could be detrimental to businesses and residents in the area'.

Despite the concerns of residents and LCC Highways, planning officers have recommended Burnley Council's planning committee approve the application.

In a report to the committee, officers said: "It is unlikely that neighbouring residential properties would be adversely affected by the proposal.

"The site clearly has no off-street parking spaces and this would become apparent to any potential future occupiers of the apartments.

"The proposed apartments are unlikely to attract families or couples using one or more cars, and given that the site is on a quality bus route within a district centre, they would more likely attract non-drivers."

A spokesman for the applicant, Mr Lee, said in a statement to the council: "The site is vacant and has not attracted any interest to establish its current use, even though it is situated close to public transport and is located in a residential area.

"Therefore the current owners are looking to redevelop the site, converting it into two commercial units on the ground floor and eight self-contained flats on the first and second floors.

"End users for the commercial units have not been identified yet so the nature of the commercial use cannot be confirmed.

"The intended use brings this prominent listed building back into a sustainable use with the minimum impact upon its appearance and surrounding users."