PLANS to turn former council offices and a library, in Bridge End House, Waterfoot, into a tea room are set to be approved.

A spokesman for the applicants said: “Waterfoot centre has suffered in recent years from a number of empty shops and buildings.

"The proposal will contribute to regeneration, and will complement the refurbishment taking place across the main road at the Royal Hotel.

"While this building is not listed, it is an important and attractive building in the town centre and a new use needs to be found for it, so that it does not remain vacant, boarded up and deteriorating.”

Councillors on Rossendale’s development control committee, chaired by Coun Amanda Robertson, will make a decision on the plans tomorrow.