A FORMER cinema which has fallen into disrepair could be demolished and turned into flats if planning permission is granted.

The former picture house in Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, has been the home of the Grand Social Club in more recent years.

But despite the fond memories many people have of the building, councillors welcomed the plans, saying the proposed renovation would give the town centre a visual boost as well as providing much-needed housing.

Gareth Molineux, county councillor for Great Harwood, said the development, which would see eight apartments created in the club’s place, would also attract professionals to the area.

He said: “Great Harwood has been neglected for a long time by the council and it is good that the council are now paying more attention to it. At present, we are well below the housing needs of Great Harwood in terms of new housing.

“Apartments appeal to the more city-based people and when the Todmorden Curve gets sorted I can only see the development being an appealing prospect for the town.”

The building was originally created in the late 19th century and the cinema was popular with film fans in the 1950s and 1960s.

Around 30 years ago, it closed for a period of time before reopening as a working men’s club. Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “People have very fond memories of the building but it has fallen into a visual state of disrepair.

“It is not a pleasant site on the main street going through Great Harwood.

“Looking at the plans, it looks like someone is going to put quite a lot of investment into it and I would be supportive of that.

“The development would be an improvement on what is there now and give some regeneration to that building.”

Comments on the plans, which can be inspected at the council planning department in Ormerod Street, Accrington, can be made by sending an email to plann ing@hyndburnbc.gov.uk quoting the reference number 11/14/0326 before September 26.