THE saga over the future of Darwen's former Belgrave Chapel could be resolved early next year.

Planning permission to turn the 155-year-old listed building into flats was given eight years ago but English Heritage approval is still required.

The plan is to convert the £100,000 building into 21 one-bedroom flats on three floors.

Gavin Prescott, officer for development control, said: "There will be alterations to the site including new access on Belgrave Road, communal parking and landscaping, which involves removing the trees and putting them up somewhere else. We are currently in negotiations with English Heritage."

The chapel ceased to be a place of worship in the early 1980s when it fell into disrepair.

The proposals are expected to go to planning councillors in January or February.