CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert Barnoldswick's old town hall into a pub will go before West Craven planners next week.

Pub company Inns and Leisure Ltd has submitted the application relating to the vacant 100-year-old building on Jepp Hill. As well as extensive internal alterations, the plan includes the addition of a conservatory at the rear of the building.

The company has already been granted a licence to sell alcohol on the premises, despite strong objections from local residents, councillors and the police.

They claim Barnoldswick town centre is already over provided with pubs and clubs and that another is not needed.

Inns and Leisure Ltd claims the old town hall will be a different kind of pub, more sedate and catering for a more mature clientele. However, objectors fear it may start out that way but, if the demand is not there, it could quickly change into another young people's "disco pub".

Barnoldswick Town Council, which occupied the town hall until last year, has also objected to the plan on the grounds of nuisance to nearby residents, lack of parking in the area, poor access on a narrow and steep one way street for deliveries, and loss of privacy to residents.

However, it is the members of Pendle Council's West Craven Area Committee who must make the difficult decision when they meet next Tuesday. Although they may dislike the application and its potential effects on Barnoldswick, they could well find themselves unable to do anything but grant permission for it.

They cannot simply turn down an application because they don't like it, but must find solid and specific planning grounds on which to refuse it. If the application is refused, the applicants can appeal against that decision directly to the Government.

And if a planning inspector finds that the application was refused without good reason, then costs can be awarded against the council running into thousands of pounds of council tax payers' money.

In short, if the council is to refuse permission it must be sure it has strong reasons to do so, reasons that will stand up on appeal.

Town councillor Mike Warner, who has spearheaded a campaign opposing the plan, has written to residents in the area around the old town hall warning them that the application is about to be considered. His letter urges them to write formal letters of objection to Pendle Council and, if possible, attend the meeting and take as many neighbours as possible with them.

The meeting will be held at Earby's New Road Community Centre next Tuesday, October 6, starting at 7pm.

In his letter, even Coun Warner admits: "This is going to be a difficult battle to win, as the law favours the applicant, not the residents.

"However, the more people that object, both in writing and in person, the stronger our case can be made."

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