PLANS to convert an office block into town centre apartments have been approved by Burnley Council.

The plan, submitted by Sandybays Ltd will see office space at Stephen House, Bethesda Street, Burnley, replaced by 39 apartments.

The plan will see the creation of 24 one-bedroom apartments 15 studio studio apartments on floors two, three and four.

The proposal had previously been backed by Burnley Council leader Cllr Mark Townsend.

He said: “As a council we are actively supporting town centre living as part of our master plan for the town centre.

“We want to bring a 20-hour-a-day economy into the town and and proposed developments like this will be a big part of that.

“I really do welcome this and it comes on the back of one or two other applications we have received. It shows we are having some success with these plans.”

No date for when work will start has been announced but planning officers outlined the development must be completed within three years,

They also said no apartment shall be occupied unless 15 secure cycle locker parking

spaces and three motorcycle parking spaces have been marked out.