THE planning application outlining the proposed expansion of a major East Lancashire cultural venue has been submitted.

The documents include images of how the enlarged Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rawtenstall would look if the £2million project goes ahead.

The scheme would double the size of the museum, gallery, events and restaurant space, converting the current underused stables and barn area.

Rossendale Council matched a £100,000 Heritage Lottery Grant obtained by the Whitaker community interest company to develop the current proposals.

Should the application be approved by planners, a second application will be made to the HLF for a further £1.9m grant.

Carl Bell, Whitaker managing director, said “We have been building towards this vision since April 2013. If successful we want this development to be a real talisman for the renaissance of Rossendale.”

Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, said: “These new proposals build on the achievements of the museum and are very exciting for the whole of Rossendale.”