PROPOSALS to turn a large house into a wedding venue have alarmed nearby residents.

Kuldip Bansal has applied for planning permission for the conversion of 136 Burnley Road in Hapton.

The six-bedroomed detached property with an indoor swimming pool if converted would have letting rooms, an outside celebration area and a self-contained manager's flat.

It could accommodate up to 248 guests if the whole space was used and would cater for 20 to 30 weddings a year.

Already a nearby resident has posted on Facebook: "Imagine the traffic and noise this will create. The fireworks alone will be horrendous. 56 space car park, a retractable roof and a gazebo so we can all hear it better, and capacity to do 248 covers."

Supporting documents with the application to Burnley Council say: "The site is currently occupied by a large six bed single dwellinghouse over three floors set within spacious grounds.

"At ground floor level the property comprises a centrally-located swimming pool, with gymnasium, sauna and steam room with a kitchen, nursery, WCs and large void area.

"At first floor level, the southern section of the property comprises a prayer room, gallery, plus a bedroom, whilst the northern section, which is joined by a central glazed link comprises two additional bedrooms (which both have external terraces).

"The second floor comprises a further three bedrooms and a dressing room.

"The proposed change of use seeks permission for a wedding venue, which would be open for 20 to 30 weddings per calendar year for ceremonies lasting between six to hours (this is from when the guests arrive until when they leave).

It is proposed to operate between 12.00hrs until 19.00hrs or alternatively between 18.00hrs and 00.00hrs.

"The proposal would incorporate space for 136 covers within the existing building, whilst to the west, a retractable roof structure over the existing courtyard is proposed, allowing the area to be used all year round in all weathers.

"The structure would not be affixed to the building, but very close and would provide an additional 112 covers.

"An area for the provision of a gazebo, located close to the retractable roof structure, is to be provided and would be set aside for additional guests for use in clement weather.

"The proposed wedding venue is set back in its own grounds and is located away from immediate neighbours.

"It includes the creation of 56 car parking spaces, six of which are allocated for disabled users.

"The proposed wedding venue will create employment opportunities for local people in addition to generating significant revenue to the local council.

"In addition to these direct economic benefits the proposal would support a wide range of indirect benefits predominantly by supporting the local supply chain."