A FORMER bakery nestled on a town's high street could become a taxi rank if plans are approved by the council.

Businessman Aahid Gafoor submitted an application to Rossendale Borough Council last week asking for permission to change the use of the vacant building from a former bakery, to a radio control private hire office for telephone bookings only.

The property, in Union Street, Bacup, used to be Manning's Bakery, and is located in the centre of a row of five business properties, which back onto Bacup's market square.

A planning statement submitted with the application noted the ground floor of the property has had original features removed but some remain on the first floor.

The statement read: "Internally the ground floor has been eliminated of all existing features, however, the first floor has been somewhat retained, with, what appear to be the original cast iron fire surrounds.

"The front room is the most prominent, with a multi moulded and faceted main surround, the inner surround is flanked with original tiles inside of which are sunburst scallops in cast iron and to the centre damping panel a geometric panel with the same sunburst scallops, behind which the original firebox still exists.

"To the rear room there is very simply rusticated stone fire surround with cast iron inset which is boarded off to obscurity, both probably dating to the 1920’s, there are no chimney breasts visible which suggests in wall flues this would suggest and external chimney prior to the row being extended, although not conclusive."

The applicant plans to carry out repairs to the property, which will mainly be focused on the rear, and has reassured the council the front will not be changed other than to alter the signage over the shop, which will be traditionally sign written.

The statement went on: "Should any repairs need to be undertaken it will be by a registered window surveyor qualified to specify and oversee any sash repair works, (this may include secondary double glazing).

"The main body of work will be to the rear of the property, the windows will be opened up and mullioned to the original style using new gritstone/roughly rusticated/tooled to match the existing, with new sliding sash timber double glazed windows and hardwood timber doors painted to meet with the conservation officers/civic trusts agreement."

The application refers to the 2040 vision set out by Rossendale Borough Council and mentions the approach to upgrade and refurbish the area making "Bacup a place to be", stating that the proposal will provide a positive enhancement to the area.

The statement reads: "Although there may be initial disdain towards a private hire booking office, the applicant is prepared to upgrade and enhance the building in line with the vision, we would suggest that as 2040 is 28 years away the investment should be welcomed.

"By creating a telephone only booking office and not a waiting room or driver rest area the possible nuisance will be thoroughly removed.

"This approach also keeps cars within the designated waiting areas and not on the streets opposite and adjacent to the office.

"The proposal is considered to be a positive enhancement both of the building and the conservation area. 

"Although the business is not seen as an asset, an occupied property becomes a desirable property for further business transfer without the need to refurbish.

"With all of above in mind impact on the heritage asset is therefore wholly positive."

A decision will be taken by the council in due course.