A TOWN’S Victorian police station could become a home caring for six children.

Lee Morgan has applied for planning permission to revive the empty building in Town Hall Street, Great Harwood, last used as Town Gate Pentecostal Church.

He believes the change of use from a place of worship to a residential children’s home would preserve it for the future.

Situated in the Great Harwood Conservation Area the building has stood empty for several years and is starting to deteriorate.

Mr Morgan’s consultancy company - Town Gate (Great Harwood) Limited of Lyndale Road in Hapton - has applied to Hyndburn Council for the change of use.

Overton ward Conservative Cllr Patrick McGinley said: “I am pleased someone wants to use this building but I would need to study the application carefully before making up my mind on whether a children’s home is a suitable use for it.”

Cllr Bernadette Parkinson, Labour representative of Netherton ward, said: “This is a good idea. It will give a new use to a historic building and provide a much-needed service for the town.”

The design and access statement says: “The proposal is to have a six-bedroom children’s care home.

“Most of the proposed works are internal changes.

“The ground floor layout will be altered. The central worship area with the baptismal font will be divided into a new living area, kitchen and manager’s office/conference room.

“On the first floor it will accommodate six bedrooms.

“Overall, the scheme will create job opportunities for staff and provide children with a place to stay.”

The heritage statement says: “The building had been vacant for several years before used as a Pentecostal church. It was used as the British Legion Men’s Club before it was church.

“It was used as a police station originally.

“The engraved stone with the year 1879 at the front will remain.

“The building has been vacant for several years and will continue to degrade if not used.

“The engraved coat of arms logo is kept as evidence the building was once a police station.

“The proposal will bring life back into the building and will mean the survival of the building for the near future.”