PLANS to convert an office block into town centre apartments have been welcomed by a council leader.

If approved the application would see Stephen House, Bethesda Street, Burnley, replaced by 52 apartments.

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The proposal has been submitted by Mr R Ram from Sandybays Ltd and would see the creation of office space to include 36 one-bedroom apartments and 16 studio apartments.

There will be nine one-bedroom and four studio apartments on each floor.

The plan has been backed by Burnley Borough Council leader Mark Townsend who said it showed the authority's "master plan" to bring more life to the town centre was working.

Cllr Townsend said: “As a council we are actively supporting town centre living as part of our master plan for the town centre.

“We want to bring a 20-hour-a-day economy into the town and and proposed developments like this will be a big part of that.

“I really do welcome this and it comes on the back of one or two other applications we have received. It shows we are having some success with these plans.”

In the documents for the change of use, the applicant states: “The application is for the conversion of office space to form nine one-bedroom apartments and four studio apartments on each floor.

"The building is situated on Bethesda Street immediately off St James Street in the town centre. It is within walking distance of the bus station providing transport links to Manchester, Skipton and local routes to surrounding towns and villages, with two bus stops on St James Street.

"In addition, it is within walking distance of both Burnley Central and Burnley Barracks train stations, proving links to Blackburn, Preston, Manchester and trans Pennine towns through to Leeds and Yorkshire regions."

"The type of units proposed will be targeting single people or young couples looking for a base to travel to and from work, using public transport as much as possible.

"There is not a major impact of additional traffic around the site, as there will be fewer daily occupants as there currently are as office space."

The applicant stated there would be no significant noise issue and surrounding businesses would not be impacted.

Representations on the application must be made by April 7. Visit www.burnley.gov.uk.