Permission has finally been granted for the transformation of a derelict building "once used by squatters" into a restaurant and delicatessen.

Over the years many attempts have been made to secure approval for the conversion of the Old Stables, located close to King Street in Whalley, into an eatery – however planners have repeatedly rebuffed the idea.

The last time permission was granted was in 2007 when an application was made to transform the old fire-damaged building into a café, works which were never completed.

Since then, attempts were made in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to obtain the relevant permission to carry-out work on the building however they were all refused.

Reasons included the development having an "unacceptable impact on highway safety" and the proposal having a "harmful impact" on the character and appearance of Whalley Conservation Area.

However the latest proposal submitted by Lino Della Pesca convinced officers to grant approval for the scheme after several alterations were made to previously rejected plans.

This means work can now begin on refurbishing the building and adding a new single storey extension.

In planning documents, the Old Stables has been described as a "simple utilitarian building of townscape merit" which has been sat empty for several years and was fire damaged in the early 1990s.

Papers submitted on behalf of Mr Della Pesca said The Stables as they stand were a negative feature in the town, with its redevelopment representing a significant opportunity to enhance the conservation area.

Documents went on: “The current structure is in a state of disrepair, there are areas which are dangerous as they are unfinished from the previous refurbishment which was never completed and has therefore been left in an unhabitable state for a long period.

“Most of the first floor has not had windows installed so it is open to the elements, this has resulted in alleged reports of squatters residing in the property and there has also been evidence of drug use on site, due to paraphernalia being found on site visits.

“The proposed use of the building would eradicate the potential for this to continue, as the building would be refurbished to a high standard and continually maintained, allowing it to be closed to the elements.

“This would eradicate the potential for squatters and drug users to utilise the property. In short, the development would have a positive impact on the locality and potentially reduce crime.”

In total, five letters of support were submitted with people happy for a vacant building to be given a new lease of life and boost tourism and jobs in the area.

Meanwhile two people and the Parish Council objected to the scheme.

Planning officers said: “Subject to condition, the proposal has an acceptable impact upon the character and appearance of Whalley Conservation Area, the setting of listed buildings and the setting of Whalley Abbey scheduled monument.”