A FORMER church, which was at the centre of controversy last year because of plans to turn it in to an Indian restaurant, could soon be given a new lease of life.

Planners have given the 'yes' to councillors in Colne recommending they give the green light to proposals to turn the former Langroyd Methodist Church, which has stood empty for three years, in to a children's adventure play area, hairdressers and coffee shop.

The 19th century building is on the corner of North Valley Road and Langroyd Road with an area of open space to the side.

External alterations would include forming a disabled access ramp.

The main first floor room would be the soft play area while the former meeting room would be used as a hairdressers, office and reception, and a further room as a reception area.

The church hall would become a children's play area and party room with a kitchen off the play area. Toilets would also be on the ground floor.

The unused open land next to the building would be turned in to a car park with 13 spaces for cars, three for motorcycles and ten for pedal cycles, as well as new vehicle access being formed from Dickson Street.

Work on the proposal has already started including new windows and work to create suitable access.

Planning permission for a restaurant was refused in May last year after residents handed over a multi-page petition protesting against it on the grounds it would lead to noise, smells and more on-street parking.

Frank Timberlake, who had the petition in his off licence, in North Valley Road, said he was much happier with the new proposals.

He said: "Some people are concerned about the parking but they are building a car park at the side. In general everyone seems to be for it because the proposals are much better than the previous ones.

"I've spoken to the people who are doing it up and they are making a nice job of it."

One letter has been received opposing to the latest plans on the grounds it could lead to more parking problems. The objector said if permission was granted the residents would like to see either permit parking or residents parking in Dickson Street so that they do not have to worry about not being able to park near their homes.