A FORMER government building in a town centre could be turned into flats under new proposals.

Melbourne House, the old Department for Work and Pensions building in Eastgate, Accrington, is subject to plans to turn the site into 45 flats.

The application has been submitted by Otley-based Prospect Estates Ltd.

Under the proposals, the units would be split into 28 one-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments and 13 one-bedroom studios.

Cllr Joyce Plummer, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, backed the proposal.

She said: “If the apartments are of a reasonable standard, this development would be a good thing.

“There is a shortage of flats in the town centre.

“The building is also going to rack and ruin.

“It’s never good for buildings to be empty and this is only going to become more derelict.

“So if it’s a choice between that and a new development, then any apartments have to be welcomed.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said he would support the plans if the homes were of a good quality, standard and size.

He said: “What we don’t want is bedsits but we do need quality one and two-bedroom apartments, not rabbit hutches.

“I would support this is if they are quality, affordable homes that improve the area, as this would help make the town centre more vibrant and hopefully increase footfall through people living there spending money.”