PLANS to transform a delapidated sports club in Nelson into a state-of-the-art facility are set to be given the green light.

The proposals for Jimmy Nelson Sports Club, Wickworth Street, include offices and apartments as well as new tennis courts and a bowling green.

The sports club closed five years ago and has been left to deteriorate into an "eyesore".

Councillors have long wanted to see the facility brought back into community use and have already expressed delight over the proposals.

Now planning officers have recommended approval in a report to Pendle Council's Nelson Committee, which will make the final decision at a meeting on Monday.

The report says: "Subject to conditional control the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact upon highway safety, visual amenity or residential amenity and accords with adopted and emerging development plan policies."

The plans show how the lower ground floor of the building will be turned into a gym and changing rooms alongside a bar, restaurant and shop.

The ground floor will accommodate five offices and the second floor will be home to five apartments, which will be put on the market for sale or rent. There will be car parking for 55 vehicles.

Outside, tennis courts and a bowling green will be brought back into use while an all-weather pitch will be created.

Sports facilities will be open to the general public on a "pay-as-you-go" basis.

Pendle Council have received a host of letters from residents on the plans, with many supporting the development.

One neighbour said: "The development will provide employment and a bar/restaurant is a much needed facilitiy in this part of Nelson as well as the sports facilities and gymnasium.

"The reuse of the old sports pavillion is a positive development towards improving the built environment and breathing new life into a run-down area."

Another added: "The building is in disrepair and an eyesore, the facilities proposed would be an asset to the Southfield area and would preserve this building."

Some residents though have raised concerns over insufficent car parking and increased traffic on steep, narrow roads.

The Highways Authority and United Utilities have not raised any concerns; Environmental Health and Environment Agency officers have recommended conditions to tackle potential noise and surface water.