A CLOSED community centre could be transformed into a home.

Plantation Square Centre in Accrington has been disused for a year and applicant Hyndburn Homes is now seeking permission from the borough council to change its use.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Homes, in a document submitted to the council, said: "The community centre has been disused for over a year without contest and it is hoped the proposal will bring the property back into residential use and make best use of the asset for the association and the borough in terms of housing provision.

In 2011 Hyndburn Homes carried out a wide consultation exercise across all our community centres.

"The overall understanding from the consultation exercise was that ‘if you don’t use it, you will lose it’ – words from the users, not Hyndburn Homes.

"Despite consistent efforts by Hyndburn Homes’ staff and a small number of involved residents, the number of events and users has diminished over the years at the Plantation Square Centre.

"The neighbouring properties will not be adversely affected by the works and safe access will be maintained throughout the works, causing minimal disruption to the surrounding residents.

"The proposals will not impact upon the need for increased parking, as there is no off street facility for the estate, historic use by residents should lessen the effect and parking is accommodated in Plantation Square and the main road of Plantation Road.

"The proposal is considered necessary by the association, as the property is disused and there is a shortage of bungalow housing in the borough."

A final decision is expected to be made by the end of the year.