A council has explained the reason a recent stop and enforcement notice was issued against the illegal use of a former church.

At the beginning of the month, Rossendale Borough Council issued a statement detailing how they had served a temporary stop notice for St John's Church in Bacup after illegal events, some alleged to be raves, were being held within the building.

The council further updated their statement a few days later and announced an enforcement notice had been put in place.

The update read: "Further to the council's previous statement on this matter, the council can now confirm that both a stop notice and enforcement notice have been served against the unlawful use of the former St John's Church for events.

"These notices prohibit the use of the church for all public events and breaching the notices by hosting such events is an offence."

Since then, the council has moved to reiterate that both a stop notice and a planning enforcement notice have been served against the unlawful use of the former St Johns Church to its owner, Freddy Khattab, for ALL events, including the farmers and artisan markets planned for December.

Mr Khattab submitted a change of use application to Rossendale Borough Council last year, from a dwelling house to a mixed use of sui generis and residential use, and has ambitious plans to convert St John's into an art, culture and heritage centre.

Numerous events, including artisan and farmers markets, and events selling alcohol, alleged to be illegal raves and halloween parties, have already been held within the premise.

However, these have been classed as illegal by the council as a decision has yet to be made on the application.

A spokesperson for the council said the recent notices prohibit the use of the church for all public events, even if a licence is granted for a specific activity, such as selling alcohol.

The spokesperson explained that the licenses granted for such activities were for 'activities only' and did not give authority for the land or in fact the building to be used in such a way.

The spokesperson said: "The notices prohibit the use for the church for all public events and breaching the notices by hosting events is an offence, even if a licence is granted for a specific activity, such as selling alcohol.

"These licences licence an activity only, but do not give lawful authority for the land or building to be used in that way.

"That is subject to planning regulations and as such planning applications have to be made.

"Mr Khattab has submitted applications but has not yet received a decision."

The application will be heard at the council's development control committee on December 14.

The spokesperson went on to say: "The application, if approved, will have a number of pre-commencement conditions that will still need to be met before the use of the former church for events can lawfully take place.

"The council has a duty to protect the health and welfare of residents and ensure that all activities take place lawfully."