A LANDMARK former pub near the border of Burnley and Rossendale is set to be converted into four homes - if councillors agree.

Several attempts were made in recent years to make a go of The Deerplay, in Bacup Road, which last opened its doors to customers in 2012.

Since then it has been marketed as licensed premises and the building has remained in the hands of the Cockcroft family, who are behind the current proposals.

Architect Steven Hartley said: "Since 2012 the building has been vandalised and with a lot of metal being stripped from the building. Following a recent fire it was necessary to remove part of the outrigger at the rear. This was deemed to be dangerous."

One of the proposed properties has always existed, as living quarters for the people running the pub, and the remaining three will be created by sub-dividing the main building.

Each would have its own rear garden, to replace the hardstanding currently there, and a new natural stone wall is to be erected. The car park will also be finished off with stone cobbles.