A FORMER pub is set to be transformed into a fine dining restaurant after plans were given the green light.

The disused Waterloo pub, on the corner of Trafalgar Street and Sandygate, Burnley, could become the home of the town's first Michelin Star with plans to bring in highly acclaimed chef Joe McLeod.

Joe trained at Runshaw College in Leyland and has worked at Michelin-rated The Manor House and Northcote Manor. He is now running his own business McLeod 9.

In the daytime, the ground floor will act as an eatery, with a simple healthy food menu and coffee bar, while in the evening, the premises will operate as a fine dining restaurant with a bar area.

Plans submitted to Burnley Council by Spacious Play Life to remodel the interior of the ground floor to become a restaurant were accepted with conditions.

The conditions mean that the work must be completed within three years; must be in accordance with the plans; developed with approved materials; and no delivery, servicing or collections to take place outside of 8am until 8pm Monday to Saturday.

The council also stipulated that no development should start until a scheme for the collection and dispersal of cooking odours has been submitted to and approved in writing.

The plans read: “Spacious Place Life have the aspiration to bring to Burnley the first Michelin Star-rated restaurant.

“Spacious Place Life have collaborated with a local chef to refurbish the existing Waterloo pub and hotel to create a 30-seat fine dining restaurant and private dining room bringing Michelin Star quality food to the area.

“The restaurant at The Waterloo will provide for 30 fine dining covers in the evening with an option for a private dining room with TV and audio direct to the open plan kitchen.

“During the lunchtime period, the chef is looking to introduce a healthy dining option for collection by local residents, students and business owners.

“This will be an alternative food offering to facilities located on Trafalgar Street including Greggs, McDonalds, KFC and Subway.”

The restaurant will be open between 11am and 3pm in the day and 6pm until 11pm in the evening.