PLANS to bring Accrington's old Conservative Club back to life as offices, apartments and a restaurant look set to be thrown out -- despite a council admitting they would improve the town centre.

Members of Hyndburn Council's development control committee have been asked to refuse the plans from Bolton-based developer Axicon.

Officers have urged rejection on the grounds that no guarantees to protect the historical features of the Grade II listed building have been submitted.

The building in Cannon Street, Accrington, which was more recently Churchill's nightclub, would be redeveloped inside to create a ground-floor restaurant, five first-floor offices and 14 second-floor flats.

Despite regeneration officers and councillors giving the plans a cautious welcome when they were first announced, planning officers have opted to call for the scheme to be rejected.

In his report to the planning committee, officer Brent Clarkson said the application was too basic and it was unclear how apartments would fit into the structure.

That ceiling is considered to be one of its most important features.

The report does, however, state the council will support the application if they receive more detailed plans.

While the ground floor has been used in recent years as a nightclub, the upper floors remain unchanged, although they are affected by damp.

Mr Clarkson added: "The principle of this scheme can be supported and would benefit the vitality of the town centre, but it is a listed building and this is an important consideration for the application. We need to see what the finished work would look like."