A CHARITY has put forward proposals to reopen the gift shop and cafe at Whalley Abbey as part of an initiative to benefit people with autistic spectrum disorders.

Bosses at the National Autistic Society have submitted proposals to Ribble Valley Council to refit the North Range building at the grade I listed landmark, including the North East Gateway and Gatekeepers Cottage.

And the ambitious scheme by the organisation, which is based in Queen Street, Great Harwood, has earned support from two leading conservation organisations.

Joanne Needham, northern officer for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, said in a letter: “The society welcomes the reuse of this part of the complex and we hope that it will prove to be a successful venture that helps to encourage visitors to both stay and return to the abbey.

“It appears from the application documentation that many of the proposed alterations are to existing modern fabric and fittings and would have little or no effect on the historic fabric and special interest.”

English Heritage has also raised no objections to the society’s intentions, with Alice Ullathorne, an assistant inspector of historic buildings, confirming that specialist staff had reviewed the bid and did not raise any points.

County archaeologists have detailed some gaps in the current record of the structure of the building, which dates back to 1990, particularly the first-floor windows on the north side.

This had led to the service suggesting that a planning condition be imposed, requiring a photographic record be kept of certain targets areas before any meaningful work commences.

Planning agent Ivan Wilson, on behalf of the society, said in a report that the charity would also look to refurbish the exhibition area and toilets, as well as reinstituting the gift shop and cafe, alongside glazing works on the first floor.

The society’s northern adult services section and sixth form students will team up as Autisan Creative Enterprises to offer training and employment for people with autism

Mr Wilson added: “The cafe and kitchen are to be reused as previously. The former gift shop is to be used as a coffee lounge area extension to the cafe and the exhibition space is to be used as a gallery with a gift shop.”

Currently the society is already using the first floor accommodation as offices and would continue to do so, borough planners have been told.

Future plans to add an access ramp and terrace for the cafe, which have been discussed informally with planners, may be submitted at a later date.