CONTROVERSIAL plans for a large wedding venue, previously thrown out amid resident opposition, are back on the table.

Applicant Adeel Saleem had applied to transform the former Winners Discount Megastore building in New Hall Hey Road, Rawtenstall into a restaurant, banqueting hall, wedding and events venue last year.

The application has been resubmitted to Rossendale Council.

The plans had been originally refused over fears of parking, noise and congestion from traffic at the town centre site.

That decision was appealed but the appeal was thrown out.

Proposals for the site have been slightly revised, with the venue catering for up to 650 guests rather than the 850 originally envisaged.

The development would create up to 30 jobs, with the opportunity for training of staff in facility management, catering and tourism.

A spokesman for the applicant within the design and access statement from Peter Harrison Architects said: "The property is located on New Hall Hey Road Rawtenstall and was constructed circa 1990 as a purpose built supermarket for Kwik Save.

"Following their withdrawal from the site the building was occupied by a discount retailer until 2015, the property has been vacant since that time.

"Other retail developments in the immediate locality provide a more attractive retail offer and the building owners have had difficulty in securing suitable retail tenants.

"As a result the building is beginning to show signs of deterioration, our client has identified the property as ideal for his requirements."

The existing car park on the site can accommodate 119 parking bays and six disabled spaces.

The spokesman added there will be a significant benefit to general footfall in Rawtenstall."

But Cllr Steve Hughes, who represents the Longholme ward on Rossendale Council and has spoken out against the plans previously, said he was still unconvinced.

He said: "On the face of it, the same issues still apply regardless of a reduction in the capacity of the venue.

"I'd still be concerned about issues with parking, local infrastructure, noise and light pollution, which residents are quite rightly concerned about.

"Without looking at the application and considering it, I'd say that on the face of it, this development is not right for the town."