A WEDDING venue has applied to the council for permission to add luxury accommodation to its premises.

Having opened as a farm shop in 2011, Bashall Barn in Clitheroe has grown over the past 17 years and the venue now offers wedding packages.

Plans submitted to the council outline the intention to convert a former brewery on the site into a space which can be used as wedding accommodation.

Managing director Simon Barnes said: “Our wedding business has quadrupled in three years and with this development we could see that double again.

“It’s a very exciting time with constant recruitment to fill the new posts created.

“We hope in the next few weeks to announce that the wedding suite project can continue and the next exciting phase of our development can happen.

“If we get the go-ahead this summer we will be aiming at offering our 2019 couples the use of these very special suites and incorporating it into our 2020 packages.”

As well as offering wedding packages, Bashall Barn is also the home to a restaurant, farm shop and coffee shop.

Speaking about how his business has flourished over the years, Mr Barnes said: “I love it when people come in and can’t believe how much has it's changed. The level of thought and hard work from the team and investment has been tough but we are at last starting to see the rewards for all the efforts.

“Is it the same as it was 18 years ago when I opened the shop on that first day and served my first ice cream? No, it certainly isn’t, it is far better!”

Mr Barnes said he was full of hope for further extensions.

He said: “This project will also allow us to expand our outside space, allowing us to apply for permission to get married by our ponds in the heart of the countryside”