CONTROVERSIAL plans for Rawtenstall’s new £3.5million bus station have been recommended for approval – but are still dividing opinion.

Fresh proposals for the public transport interchange, also featuring shops and a cafe, were drawn up after a public consultation round.

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But critics are still unhappy with the end result, which will be considered by the borough council’s development control committee next Tuesday.

A Rossendale Civic Trust spokesman welcomed the retention of the old town hall, which dates back to 1875, as part of a 25-page representation on the plans.

He added: “The proposed bus station’s design does not suit either its location or its practical needs.

“Its drive-in, reverse-out layout will cause more delays, than a drive-in, drive-out layout, for the two key regular short-stop bus services, the 464 Accrington to Rochdale and the X43 Burnley to Manchester.”

Peter Wood, of the Friends of Rawtenstall group, said it appeared that the new blueprints for the bus station had already been drawn up before the public consultation ended.

“This consultation seems to have been a sham and they already had in mind what they wanted to do with the bus station,” he added.

An objection has also been lodged by the Victorian Society, where officials are still unhappy about the bulldozing of the town hall annex, which ‘contributed positively’ to the conservation area and Bacup Road frontage.

Rossendale Cycle Forum has also insisted that a proposed access point, screened by a bin store, would be ‘exceptionally dangerous’ for riders and ran contrary to local, national and European policies.

But a Rossendale Chamber of Commerce spokesman said: “The chamber is anxious to see redevelopment work begin as soon as possible bearing in mind the proposal to build a new bus station was first mooted well over three years ago.”

Recommending approval, planning unit manager Stephen Stray said that the loss of the town hall extension would not cause harm to the conservation area and the removal of the police station would improve the outlook for the likes of Longholme Methodist Church.

He added: “The development subject to conditions will also provide significant benefits in relation to public realm and in relation to public transport facilities, cycle provision and pedestrian environment.”