A LONG-running battle to turn toilets into a takeaway restaurant is set to be decided by Government inspectors.

Proposals to convert disused former public toilets on Colne Road next to Brierfield town hall into a takeaway restaurant were first mooted in 2016 but Pendle planners refused permission.

Amended plans were resubmitted this year but after council bosses again turned down the bid on parking grounds, developer Rahul Patel has lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Borough planning officer Christian Barton said: "The application seeks to change the use of a public toilet to a hot food takeaway with external alterations. The development would have no unacceptable effects on the residential amenity of the immediate neighbours. It would also be appropriate in terms of the design and impacts on heritage assets.

"However, the site has no off-street parking, or land to provide parking. The development would lead to unacceptable conflict with road users, would contribute to illegal on-street parking and would fail to ensure a safe and suitable access is provided for all site users.

"The development would be of detriment to the safety of the local road network

"The submission is virtually identical to the previous application that was refused due to a lack of associated off-street parking and effects on highway safety."

Mr Patel said: "The reason for refusal states that the area has severely restricted parking available and that the proposed use would lead to a high demand for illegal on-street parking which in turn would be a danger to people using the public highway.

"It is argued that the appeal building is situated within a local shopping town centre where the proposed use is acceptable.

"This portion of Colne Road is made up of ground floor retail and commercial units.

"Inevitably, the nature of a town centre location would suggest there could be a lack of parking close to the site and parking restrictions may be in place on nearby roads.

"Notwithstanding this, it is argued that adjacent to the rear of the building is Tunstill Square public car park, which has around 30 parking spaces.

"There is no reason why this car park could not comfortably accommodate parking for customers of the proposed takeaway.

"It is unlikely that customers of the proposed takeaway would be more inclined to park illegally on Colne Road when Tunstill Square is adjacent to the site and is free of charge."

Mr Patel has also made an application for costs to be awarded against the council citing unreasonable behaviour which has caused unnecessary expense and left him out of pocket.

Inspectors will consider written evidence from both sides before making a decision on the appeal.