A FORMER William Hill betting shop in Barnoldswick could be turned into flats and shops.

The 'abandoned' building in Newtown, within the town's conservation area, has been empty since 2017 after which the building has slowly deteriorated.

An application by JM Capital Properties Ltd to Pendle Council states that there will be two self-contained flats on the first floor, and mixed retail use on the ground floor.

Plans include changes to windows and the reconstruction of a separate entrance to the first floor flats.

It states: "This proposal is an excellent opportunity to bring back to use an abandoned building within the central part of Barnoldswick located in Barnoldswick Conservation Area, which can improve the local area and provide needed accommodation and employment for residents."

The planning application follows the refusal in September of a prior approval notification - which would have allowed the scheme to go ahead without the need of a planning application.

Prior approval was rejected by the council because the site is within the conservation area.

In response to the prior approval application, comments from neighbours included a welcoming of the renovation of an 'attractive property' and minimum changes to the exterior.

Concerns were however raised about parking in the area and if the shops were to sell alcohol, potentially causing noise and disturbance.