PLANS to demolish a former hospital and build 60 homes could go ahead despite objections.

McDermott Developments Ltd and NHS Property Services are seeking full planning consent from Ribble Valley Council to demolish all buildings and erect 60 houses on the former Clitheroe Hospital site.

The proposed development on the historic building, which dates back to the 19th century, would provide a wide mix of house types, consisting of detached and semi-detached properties.

The workhouse and hospital block on Chatburn Road were constructed between 1870 and 1874 and are considered to be non-designated heritage assets.

The NHS ceased using the buildings in 2014, when they moved all operation into the purpose built new hospital building which was constructed directly adjacent to the application site.

In the summer of 2017 the applicant contacted the local planning authority to inform them that the former hospital building had been vandalised with numerous windows smashed. The windows were boarded up and security fencing erected around the site.

Clitheroe Town Council, Clitheroe Civic Society and Lancashire Archaeological Advisory Service have objected to the application because of the building's social, historic and architectural importance.

A spokesman for Lancashire Archaeological Service said the demolition runs contrary to council policies and stressed that certain structures within the building, such as the porter's lodge and mortuary, should not be casually dismissed as of "minimal interest" within the Heritage Statement.

A spokesman from Clitheroe Civic Society said the applicant has no connection to the community and that the plans are merely a 'commercial requirement' to maximise economic value on the site.

A decision on the application will be made at Ribble Valley Council's planning meeting tomorrow at 6.30pm.