A FORMER market hall and biscuit factory which could have been turned into a listed building is in danger of falling into disrepair, councillors will hear.

Pendle Council’s Colne Committee will discuss the old Kippax building, which has been empty since 2011.

The Dockray Street building, which dates back to 1937, could be added to the council’s problem sites list and councillors will discuss what action could be taken to see it brought back into use.

Planning, building control and licensing manager, Neil Watson, said: “The building was proposed for listing in 2011 but did not have sufficient special architectural or historical interest in a national context to recommend it for listing.

“It is not being actively maintained but in itself appears externally sound and is not in a dilapidated state.

“Overall the site is not causing a problem in its present state but unless used, has the potential to do so.”

The market hall closed in 1973 and the building was subsequently bought by Kippax Biscuits.

Ownership changed a few times until the company was bought by Farmhouse Biscuits in 1993 and manufacturing was transferred to a site in Brook Street, Nelson, in 2006.

The building was sold off by Farmhouse in 2009 and has been vacant since at least 2011.

Council bosses have held discussions with the current owners to ask what the plans for the site are.

The owners say advanced discussions are taking place with a business interested in taking on the building.

Mr Watson added: "The site is secured and has boarding on it securing entry.

"It is not being actively maintained but in itself appears externally sound and is not in a dilapidated state.

"Overall the site is not causing a problem but unless used has the potential to do so."