A LUXURY mansion could be turned into bed and breakfast accommodation if plans are given the green light.

Owner of Rockcliffe House, in Bacup, Gary McCarthur, has submitted plans for a change of use of the listed building to B&B accommodation for up to 20 guests.

In recent years, Mr McCarthur has transformed the house in Wesley Place to include a cinema, pool, bar, spar and sauna – and the B&B would offer a source of revenue for the building and its grounds.

People wanting to staying at the B&B would have to book a place online through travel sites or social media.

But a number of objections have been lodged against the plans, from residents living near to Rockcliffe house, which dates back to 1866, about noise and traffic generated from guests and safety.

Bill Ford, who lives in Rockcliffe Villas, said: “There will be an increase in noise pollution at all times of the day and night as guests can not be controlled.

“The lane is too narrow to sustain the amount of traffic proposed including existing traffic.

“Safety of residents is a concern especially vulnerable age groups.”

Tracy Keir, who also lives in Rockcliffe Villas and has lived in the house with her family since August 2006, said the character, safety and security that they have enjoyed will be ‘compromised by the plans’.

She said: “Since moving here we have enjoyed the quiet and peacefulness of living on a small lane, the only access road to our home and to the other semi detached villas.

“However, it seems that the character, safety and security that we have enjoyed will be compromised by the proposed change of use for Rockcliffe House – the grade two listed building at the top of our access lane.”

However, in a design and access on behalf of Mr McCarthur, Bacup-based agent Edmondson Design Services, said the proposals will be positive for the area.

They said: “The proposal would create jobs and capitalise on local leisure pursuits, benefit local businesses and help to increase the visitor numbers into the valley.”

Planning documents sent to Rossendale Council also said the B&B would be used for single and group bookings, with limits on noise and music, with last entry onto the site for 11pm and first exit from the site at 7.30am.