A DEVELOPER is on a collision course with council bosses over plans to change the roof tiles for the controversial conversion of historic Hartley Hospital in Colne.

Brierfield-based Barnfield Construction has applied to Pendle Council to use Spanish tiles on the roof.

They say many of the original Westmorland green slates could get broken while being removed during renovation work and they are expensive to replace.

When the plans to convert the Keighley Road hospital were first discussed they brought furious opposition from people who believed the building which had been gifted to the people of Colne should be kept for the public and not go to developers.

After ten years of campaigning, protesters were praised when the building was preserved to be developed and approval was granted for a retirement village.

In a report to the Colne and District Committee, which recommends refusal, officer Andy Wiggett says: "The Westmorland green slate on the roof has to be removed in order to work on the roof and provide a ventilation gap between the batons and the slates.

"Roofing contractors have advised Barnfield Construction that if they need to remove the old slates, there will be an estimated breakage of between 30 and 50 per cent.

"This then would require further supplies of Westmorland green slate being brought on to the site to make up for the breakages.

"Barnfield Construction's position is that it would not be viable for them to obtain up to 50 per cent of new Westmorland green slates to complete the roof.

"This is due to the cost of the slates which is approximately twice as much as natural green slate imported from Spain."

Barnfield has suggested a compromise, using Westmorland green slate on the front and sides and the cheaper imported slate on the rest. And if more slates are salvaged than envisaged to re-slate the rear roof in Westmorland. The council's conservation officer does not believe there will be as much damage as predicted.

Mr Wiggett's report continues: "There is a significant difference between the Westmorland green slates and the natural green slate."

He says the Spanish tiles would significantly alter the character of the historic building.

Mr Wiggett adds: "On this basis it is considered the integrity of this historic building should not be compromised.

"It should also be acknowledged that the preservation of Hartley Hospital was the justification for allowing a considerable amount of development in designated green belt."