PLANS to build a cafe in the foyer of a 124-year-old theatre could now be derailed following opposition from local groups.

Mr Pino Musso, of Fence, submitted an application to Burnley Council in March to create a new cafe and bar at the entrance of Burnley's former Empire Theatre, in St James's Street.

The proposal includes the partial demolition of part of the historic theatre, which is located within a parade of retail shops in Burnley town centre, and the creation of a new shop front with iron gates, along with a rear balcony and outside seating area.

However Burnley council officers have recommended refusal for plans to build the cafe at the premises, which is thought to be East Lancashire's only purpose-built Edwardian theatre.

Planning officers had initially recommended a three-year temporary permission for the cafe in March because they said it would improve the look of the area but now the application is set to be refused.

The revised recommendation comes after the Theatres Trust and Burnley Empire Theatre registered 'strong' objections against the proposal.

The two trusts launched a campaign in 2016, together with Burnley Council, Burnley College and UCL, to renovate the Grade-II listed building, which has been vacant since it closed as a Gala bingo hall in 1995.

A spokesman for the Theatres Trust said they objected to the application "on the basis the proposal would compromise the future operation of the Empire as a 'community and cultural facility'."

Despite the uncertain future of the building, officers said the proposed development would 'permanently fragment' a Grade II listed building by removing it's only means of public entrance without providing any 'appropriate alternative'.

A final decision on the proposal will be made by councillors at tonight's planning meeting at Burnley Town Hall from 6.30pm.