An application has been lodged to turn a former pub into 21 apartments.

Challon Smith of the Corbello Group submitted plans to Burnley Borough Council back in February with additional documents submitted earlier this month.

If approved, the plans would see the former Bridge Inn pub on Manchester Road in Hapton transformed into 21 one and two bed apartments.

Burnley Council refused an application in 2012 and then approved re-submitted plans some months later to turned the old drinking establishment into a nursery, but since then nothing has become of the building, which has been vacant since 2007, and has now fallen into a state of disrepair.

The application states that only a small number of minor external alterations will be required to facilitate the conversion of the existing building to nine apartments, including a new window and door at basement level on the northern, side elevation.

A rear extension is also proposed, which will accommodate 12 apartments. 

The existing access point, off Manchester Road, will be utilised and additional car parking spaces provided.

An external bin store will be provided and provision will be made for the storage of 25 bicycles within the basement of the building.

Mr Challon's submission states: "The principle of residential development on this site is well established through previous planning applications and this proposal will make a positive contribution to the borough’s housing supply.

"The proposal will utilise an existing building, avoiding any further deterioration, which is located in close proximity to a main bus link and railway station such that the proposal represents sustainable development in accordance with policy."

As part of the proposals, the Corbello Group is willing to provide two affordable units within the scheme, and they have worked with registered providers on previous schemes and are considering this option, and in addition the applicant is happy to enter into discussions with the  council about the size and tenure of the units.

The statement went on: "The proposed mix of one and two bed apartments will assist the borough in meeting its 40 per cent market housing requirement and 70 per cent affordable requirement for one and two bed flats, houses and bungalows.

"The proposal as a whole, will ensure the future of this vacant, waterfront building and the proposed extension will optimise views and surveillance of the canal.

"Private, shared amenity space will be provided to the rear of the building and the existing area, directly to the south of the existing building will be maintained as open space.

"There is no space within the development site for the provision of on-site open space however, the applicant is willing to make a commuted sum payment towards an existing or proposed open space facility nearby.

"Taken as a whole it is considered that the proposal accords with national and local planning policy and, in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development should be approved without delay."

Consultations have been sent out to local residents and the council will make a decision on whether to approve the application in due course. 

Several objections have already been lodged from local residents and anyone wishing to comment on the application has until May 5 to do so.