A FORMER printworks in Burnley is set to be transformed by plans for student accommodation.

Brian Sumner from Avalon Town Planning are the agents for Mr R Wrigley and the application was were submitted to convert the ex-canal warehouse and former CalderPrint building on Manchester Road which has been vacant for four years into 25 student rooms.

But council chiefs have now given the green light to the scheme in the Canalside conservation area.

In the statement to planners it says the building is not identified as landmark buildings or a landmark feature.

"The Appraisal identifies the buildings as being within as being within character area two – The Weavers Triangle

from Westgate Bridge to Finslay Gate Bridge but is not referred to as a building deemed to be of importance."

Meanwhile in the Heritage Statement the 'development has the potential to enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, by bringing the vacant building back into active use, through sympathetic conversion.

"There would be no harm to the Conservation Area or character of nearby listed buildings, so no negative impact

to the historic environment would result from the development."

In the planning documents it is claimed the scheme will provide 'much needed accommodation for students of

Burnley UCLAN, which is a regional and national social goal.

"These proposals would provide economic benefit from the associated economic benefit for construction works and

occupation.

"In social terms, the use provides accommodation for a specific accommodation need.

"In environmental terms, this proposal reuses an existing building in an urban area and therefore meets Government

objectives of making the best use of previously developed land and building."

Cllr Shah Hussain, who represents the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme, said: "I think this is great news now that the campus at Victoria Mill is expanding and with the council building accommodation on Sandygate.

"Additional accommodation is needed to happen for the campus site to provide for students.

"I hope it will progress despite the talk about some universities going online.

"It is great that it will be bringing a derelict building back into life in that part of Burnley."