PLANS which will change the face of the centre of Earby have been given the go ahead.

Proposals to change the use of the former Wardle Storey offices, in School Lane, to allow them to be converted into 18 apartments, were approved by councillors on the West Craven Area Committee.

Another tandem application to demolish the link bridge over the same road and a substation, while creating an 18-space car park, was also given the go ahead.

At this month's area committee meeting, Cllr David Whipp said: "We're delegating grant consent for the Wardle Storeys applications. There has been concern about the appearance of the property, which has been vandalised extensively on the south block."

Earby town councillors have also supported the applications, providing that land levels are not raised and prior consent is obtained from the Environment Agency to guard against any issues with flooding and proposed car parking arrangements.

The authority also wants the Millennium oak tree and public bench to be retained nearby.