A FORMER Royal British Legion Club could be given a new lease of life under new plans.

Proposals have been lodged to turn the club in Deardengate, Haslingden, into auction house and antiques centre.

Also included in the plan submitted to Rossendale Council is a packing office at the old working men’s club, which closed in 2012.

Applicant Mark Galbraith, director of The Lancashire Auction House, said in planning documents that the building is an ‘unused property in a poor state of repair’.

He said: “I want to change the premises from a into an auction house and an antiques centre.

“It will include a packing department.

“It is an unused property in a poor state of repair and it used to be a working man club.

“It’s vacant and has not been in use since 2012 but was previously used as a licensed premises.

“It was last used as the Royal British Legion Club in 2012.

The auction house would sell general goods and toys and a heater will be installed and some televisions.

A packing department will also be in place and an area to sell antique goods.

It is proposed that 10 full-time jobs and two part-time jobs would be created from the auction

The opening hours would be 9am till 5pm Monday till Friday and 9am till 4pm on Saturday.

The plans are currently pending consideration and will be considered at a future Rossendale Council planning meeting.

Cllr Ann Kenyon, who represents the Worsley ward on Rossendale Council, welcome the plans.

She said: “It’s important buildings are used.

“So as far as I’m concerned, if it’s done legally and in the proper manner, this development can only do good for the town.

“We don’t want empty buildings in the town but do want vibrant businesses.

“The building has been empty and unoccupied for quite some time, so will need a lot of work doing to the inside.

"But I can't see any problem with it and would welcome the plans."