A PLANNING application to transform a prominent pub and carvery has been submitted.

If successful, the Grane Road derelict site will be transformed into two residential units and a purpose built head quarters for a local advanced-manufacturer.

Mission Impossible Ltd has submitted two planning applications to Rossendale Council that will transform the former Duke of Wellington Pub and its car park.

The company was established in Rossendale 23 years ago by Steve Ferdenzi, and is now run as a family concern with his sons Michael and Riccardo. Currently based at Scoutbottom Industrial Estate, Waterfoot, Mission Impossible employs 5 staff, but has outgrown the premises.

It has now found a new home at the former Duke of Wellington site.

Managing Director Steve Ferdenzi explained : “We’ve been looking for a new site for well over 3 years, and it’s surprising how few options there are out there. We found a couple of possible opportunities in Burnley, but we are desperate to stay in Rossendale. It’s our home. It’s where we established the business. It’s where all our staff are based. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved here.

"When we heard about the Duke of Wellington, it seemed perfect for us. We can convert the pub into a home each for Michael and I, and build a purpose-built HQ on the former car park. That way, we can keep a very close eye on the business, which is something many of our clients really appreciate.”

Mission Impossible’s principal line of business is the assembly of electronic circuit boards, and a good deal of its work is in research at the cutting edge of the electronics industry.

It provides a high-tech electronics assembly solution to an impressive portfolio of clients and projects, including Royal Navy defence projects, IBM, Worldwide Submarine Life Support Systems, and the medical and nuclear industries.

The Company built the electronics for the safety braking systems for all 120 Crossrail trains.

The design and application for the new properties has been put together by local companies RGP Architects, Penny Bennett Landscapes and Roman Summer Associates. It is due to be considered by the planning committee in the coming weeks.