A TOWN could see its first micro pub after plans were lodged to transform a former art gallery.

Andrew Turner has submitted proposals to turn the former Art and Soul Gallery in Burnley Road, Padiham.

Little information has been published on the micro pub however community leaders have praised the concept.

If approved by Burnley Council’s development control committee, the site could create three full time and five part time jobs.

Cllr Andrew Tatchell, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said: “There are one or two of these micro pubs in Burnley town centre and they have taken off quite well.

“I am pleased as I know the building in particular is being looked at as a potential site for a micro pub because it means Padiham town centre is becoming an area of interest for these sorts of businesses.

“I know the town centre business manager is working hard to attract new shops and services and this would be a great addition to the area.

“Micro pubs are their own kind of business, they’re not traditional pubs but they’re far from the night club scene.

“I am pleased to see business owners are looking at Padiham. This will only help benefit the town in the future.”

The proposed plans include opening times from 11.30am to 12.30am Monday to Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays.

The gallery, owned by self-employed artist Stephen Ormerod, has moved further up the road into a larger space.

The proposed plans would see the gallery’s former kitchen converted into a ladies’ toilet and barrel store.

The shop area would be divided up into seating and the bar, with a separate men’s toilet built.

According to the Micropub Association, a micropub is described as ‘a small freehouse which listens to its customers, promotes conversation and shuns all forms of electronic entertainment’.

The Lancashire Telegraph’s beer expert, Mark Briggs, said: “If given the go-ahead, this would be Padiham’s first micro pub.

“The micro pub has become very popular in recent years because it offers a different kind of drinking experience.

“They don’t have big screens or music and offer a place to have a quiet drink.

“They are usually owned by the person behind the bar and are not tied down to one brewery, this makes for a wider selection of beer at good prices.

“There’s three great micros in Colne and Burnley, they are popping up everywhere.

“It is a simple, yet very pleasant, drinking experience.”