A PROPERTY developer has moved to dispel rumours that he's planning to house ex-cons in new apartments should the council approve his planning application.

Challon Smith, of the Corbelo group, submitted plans to Burnley Council in February, seeking permission to turn the former Bridge Inn on Manchester Road, Hapton, into 21 apartments.

But following an outpouring of concern from neighbours, who have suggested that ex-cons would be moved into the building, Mr Smith has moved to dispel the rumours.

He said: "What has been suggested I am doing with the building is entirely incorrect.

"I can safely say none of the apartments are being used for any demographic other than to house people like you and I from my local area where I have friends and where I was brought up.

"The apartments will be used for general sales and rentals and the building will be in keeping with the surrounding buildings and all made of stone."

The building has stood empty since 2007, and Mr Smith says his proposals would enhance the area, put value on existing properties, stop the building being used by children carrying out anti-social behaviour, and would fit in with Burnley's local plan to provide more housing for people in the borough.

However, residents say they will be objecting by the dozen over the plans to turn the vacant former pub into 21 apartments which will include erecting an extension.

People in Hapton say they do not need the additional housing in their village, and are concerned about extra traffic, noise and the overlooking of other properties should the council approve the proposals.

One resident said the proposal was of great concern, stating: "This proposal in my opinion breaches, and is of great concern to the following - highway safety; the visual amenity of the extension; it does not meet the mandatory laws for the disabled; it overlooks other property and breaches peoples privacy; the traffic generation on an already busy road; noise and disturbance to the area; loss of old trees and the accompanying flora and fauna and the loss of biodiversity and the design appearance and materials of the extension."

Another resident said: "It's going to be such an eyesore.

"It's just not in keeping with the rest of the building at all.

"I think making the existing building into apartments is a good idea.

"It's listed so they can't change much on the outside but more than doubling the size with a massive extension at the back and creating a big car park on the busy main road will cause so many problems.

"There are some lovely big trees which will be removed too."

Others were more concerned about who would be housed in the apartments once they were finished, with many taking to social media to allege Corbelo would be housing ex-cons in some of the units.

One resident said: "I am not happy with how this has been handled and the proposal is not suitable for the village at all.

"The property needs repurposing, there is no doubt about that, but not a 21-apartment behemoth that could potentially house ex-offenders."

With another person saying: "The Corbelo Group is all about housing amongst other demographics, ex-convicts."

Residents have until May 5 to comment on the application via the council's planning portal.