PLANS to convert a former Barnoldswick school building into 11 apartments have been given the go ahead.

The West Craven Area Committee approved an application by Skipton Properties Ltd which calls for converting the former Barnoldswick C of E Primary School, on York Street, into four one bedroom and seven two bedroom apartments over three levels.

The plans include building five garages in the ground and lower ground floors together with the inclusion of 13 car parking spaces. Two new vehicle accesses to the site are proposed from York Street and Wellington Street.

"This is a straightforward application for 11 apartments, some of which are duplex arrangements," said Neil Watson, Pendle Council's planning and building control manager. "The property is going to be used and would have to be developed sooner or later."

"There is a concern about the number of car parking spaces," said Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp. "I also understand local residents are concerned about the development as no information came from the diocese about the future of the building."

"Then in January the developer moved in to strip out the buildings," he said. "We didn't even know it had been sold.

"However, as application there is no reason for us to refuse this," said Cllr Whipp, who added: "We have also received a request for an internal foundation stone to be removed so it can be used by the (Barnoldswick C of E Primary) school in their new building."

The request was acknowledged by the developer's agent at the meeting, and committee members unanimously approved the application.