THE DEMOLITION of a social club could clear the way for 13 new apartments, a planning application has revealed.

Plans submitted to the Ribble Valley Borough Council outline a proposal to build a block of retirement flats on land associated with the British Legion on Towneley Road in Longridge.

The proposed apartments are to be a mix of one and two-bedroomed units, with a communal courtyard area for the residents to enjoy. The apartments would be located on the grounds of the former British Legion and would front onto Towneley Road.

A planning statement for the development reads: “PWA Planning is retained by Mr & Mrs Hardacre to progress a planning application for the proposed residential development of 13no. apartments, which will be made available exclusively for retirement living, following the demolition of the social club on land associated with the Former British Legion, Towneley Road, Longridge, PR3 3EA.

“The principle of the proposed development is considered acceptable, representing the reuse of a site in a highly sustainable location within the settlement boundary of Longridge.

“The proposed development has been designed to be sensitive to local character and recognises the scale and palette of materials evident in the area. Consideration has been given to the impact of the development on the built and natural environment and it is not considered that the development will give rise to any unacceptable impacts on the local highway network and matters of waste, ecology, flood risk, drainage, trees and sustainability are all well considered.

“Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the proposed development is fully consistent with all aspects of the Development Plan and would be clearly consistent with the thrust of the NPPF policy, particularly in terms of sustainable development and representing an effective use of allocated and sustainably located land.

“Given the above, the proposed development is considered acceptable and should be approved without delay.”