A FORMER Methodist church building in Colne could be used as an antiques showroom.

The former Providence Independent Methodist Church, in Albert Road, closed last year when the congregation joined the Bethel Independent Methodist Church.

Controversial plans to turn the building into a house fell through, and now a businessman wants to use it as an antiques and architectural salvage showroom and tea room.

Tony Brown, from Pendle Council’s property management arm Liberata, said: “The current proposed purchaser’s business is located in Trawden and he wishes to acquire the former church building to showcase, within a period building, the antiques and architectural elements that he refurbishes and sells.

“Because of the nature of his business, he has expressed a commitment to repair, improve and preserve the former church building and to operate in a sensitive and respectful manner to avoid negatively impact upon neighbouring properties and the war and Wallace Hartley memorials to the front.”

After the church ceased use for worship it was offered for sale. Mr Brown said: “A potential purchaser applied for planning consent soon after it came to market to convert the church for residential use.

“A number of objections were received by the council’s planning section at the time, in relation to possible impact upon the residential amenity enjoyed by the vicarage and residential properties to the rear.

“These specifically were in relation to a proposed use of the land to the west as a garden and to vehicle parking to the front. The sale did not complete.”