THE future of Hartley Hospital, Colne, could be decided this week if councillors give permission to convert the landmark site into a retirement village for the over-55s.

The aim is to convert the main part of the former hospital into nine flats with communal facilities including a shop, lounge, fitness room, hairdresser's, laundry room and library, and demolish the wings and outbuildings to make way for 53 homes.

If the plan by Nelson-based developers Ribble Enterprises gets the go-ahead from Pendle Council's Colne area committee on Thursday it will bring to an end years of uncertainty about the future of the building and save most of the hospital - given to local people as a gift by Sir William Hartley of the Hartley jam family - from demolition. The central part of the hospital would be converted into eight flats on the two upper floors together with a warden's flat and the communal facilities on the ground floor. This part of the scheme is being led by Staffordshire Housing Association.

The remainder of the scheme would be carried out by a private developer. The aim is to create a retirement village with residents being able to use the communal facilities in the main building and call on the help of the warden. Many of the new homes will be built around courtyards.

The original plans have recently been slightly amended to reduce the number of trees that would have to be cut down and improve visibility for drivers leaving Hartley via Alma Road into Keighley Road.

Letters for and against the scheme have been received by the council.

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