PROPOSALS to build 24 apartments on the site of an iconic former Grade II listed Conservative club have been recommended for approval by planning bosses.

Plans were submitted to Hyndburn Council to convert the former Accrington Conservative Club into apartments in September last year.

The Cannon Street building, which dates back to 1890, was partly demolished in May 2016 after it was ravaged by a huge fire.

Owner Iftakharul Bhatti from Nelson-based Woodgreen Developments, who purchased the site, has applied for listed building consent for the construction of a new apartment block.

The plans will go in front of Hyndburn Planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday, January 30, and officers recommend plans are 'granted with conditions'.

The delegated report said: "Officers consider that with the inclusion of the Conservation Officer’s recommended conditions, the scheme is a satisfactory way of preserving the listed building façade and in terms of the broad massing and outline of the building.

The proposals are for 22 one bedroom properties, one two bedroom apartment, and one three bedroom site.

The apartments would be over five floors and there would be internal parking for 10 cars provided on the ground floor.

The block would incorporate what remains of the former conservative club, including the facade of the building.

In planning documents on behalf of Mr Bhatti, agents, Clitheroe-based Sunderland Peacock & Associates Ltd, said the new modern apartment block would provide living accommodation within an 'historic' setting.

The firm said: "The building still retains a level of significance through its associated heritage values and as such still remains and important and significant heritage asset.

"The proposed development consists of a new apartment building which incorporates the remains of the former Conservative Club in order to provide a new optimum viable use for the site."

Cllr Munsif Dad, who represents the Accrington town team, said: "The Conservative club has been derelict for the last few years now and it is right in the heart of the town centre.

"People are crying out for some sort of living accommodation near the town centre."

The meeting will take place at Scaitcliffe House from 2pm.