A NEW 'skyscraper' could soon dominate Burnley's rooftops as part of plans to revive the fortunes of a prominent town centre hotel.

A bid for an eleven-storey apartment complex has been drawn up by RMA Developments for the site, in Keirby Walk, Burnley town centre.

The ambitious package, by Mohammed Asjad, from the hotel, would also mean refurbishments for the seven-floor hotel building.

An extra five shops are also pencilled in at the ground-floor level of the hotel and apartment block as part of the proposals, which were this week submitted to Burnley Council for consideration.

Arthur Tomlinson, the Padiham-based architect behind the scheme, says that the new high-rise will complement the nearby St Peter's Centre, along nearby Church Street.

He has told planners: "It will supply a need for single people or couples who wish to take advantage of town-centre living with the benefits of shopping, transport, leisure and medical services."

Mr Tomlinson says that the scale of the development, and the accommodation it hopes to provide represents an economic and viable use of the land required.

And because the hotel currently stands on its own island', separate from the nearby Keirby Walk parade and Church Street, it is felt that the 11-storey high-rise will not be overbearing' for neighbours.

Four apartments, split between one and two-bedroom units, are anticipated on each of the skyscraper's 11 floors, which will be clad in ceramic granite with ivory or beige flashing.

Under the proposals the high-rise apartments, plus one new shop, will be built following the demolition of a side extension which once housed the hotel's butchery and stores.

Supporters of the scheme say that any demolition works will not compromise the existing running of the hotel Phase two of the plans will see all elevations of the ageing hotel refurbished and four of the five shops constructed.

Plans have also been drawn up for a new roof terrace, above the hotel's second floor banqueting suite, overlooking Yorkshire Street.

Early discussions have already taken place with Lancashire County Council highway officials over the proposed access and parking arrangements for the development.

The county council is suggesting that a new slip road should be created for the hotel's private car park.

RMA officials say the parking standards can be relaxed considering the close proximity of both bus and train services to the proposed apartments.