COUNCILLORS have agreed to widen the potential uses of an empty shop in a town centre.
The former Greenwoods clothing outlet in St James’s Street, Burnley, has been vacant for two years and its owner has asked for planning permission to allow its use as a cafe or bar.
He told the council’s Development Control Commitee this would make it easier to let.
A report by officers said: “The site falls within the primary shopping area and is defined as primary retail frontage.
“The unit has been vacant since August 2018, having been previously occupied by a menswear shop.
“The property lies within the Burnley Town Centre Conservation Area.
“The marketing agents are of the opinion that the proposed mix of uses will allow the premises to be marketed to a wider pool of potential occupiers in what are very challenging market conditions, thereby reducing the likelihood of the unit remaining vacant,” the report added.
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