A FORMER Conservative Club is set to be converted into new homes.

A planning application to turn the old St Stephen’s Conservative Club in Robinson Street, Blackburn, into three homes will be determined by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee next week.

Officers have compiled a report recommending permission for the development be granted.

And an extra 11 new homes could also be built on the site if plans are approved.

Developer Valli Homes wants to return the grade-II listed building back to its historic appearance and build ‘vital’ new housing for Little Harwood.

They are proposing to knock down a 1960s extension as part of the redevelopment.

The site consists of the grade-II listed building, formerly Harwood Hall, with a bowling green and a large car park.

A spokesman said: “With the Conservative Club no longer in active use and beginning to fall into decay, our main objective is for the development to restore and enhance the grade-II listed property back to its former glory whilst also making use of the vacant land that surrounds the club to create sustainable and aesthetically conscious new residential dwellings.

“The proposed development creates a new cul-de-sac street setting in the grounds of the conservative club, giving each property sufficient parking and garden space.”

Historic building consultant Garry Miller said in a report submitted alongside the application: “The Grade II designation of St Stephen’s Conservative Club denotes it is a building of importance in the national context.

“Its significance essentially derives from this special interest, which is that of a 17th century manor house which was turned around and given a polite new Georgian façade probably in the late 18th century.

“The building was then altered in the early 20th century when it became a Conservative Club, before being further altered and extended in the mid/late 20th century.

“The significance of the building therefore resides primarily in its external form and appearance, which presents an interesting contrast between the building styles of the two main periods. This is however compromised by its state of disuse, which has given the building a shabby appearance. Various 20th century extensions are unsympathetic and detract from its character and qualities.”