A FORMER courthouse is set to be transformed into student accommodation after plans were approved.

A planning application was submitted to Burnley Council by Lumitekton Ltd for the former County Court House in Bankhouse Road, Burnley.

The building has been vacant for several years and planning documents said it had been 'mothballed' over the past six years.

The scheme will see the conversion of the building into 47 one-bedroom units on two floors while the basement will provide a gym, study area, lounge and laundry facilities for University of Central Lancashire students.

The application said: "UCLan has ambitious plans that will see it significantly expand student numbers in Burnley from their current levels to at least 4,000 by 2025.

"The student market represents a particular growth opportunity for Burnley and developers are beginning to acknowledge this.

"An increase in town centre housing will help to sustain the health and vibrancy of the town centre, enhancing the feel and character of the town, as well as demand for goods and services.

"The conversion of the building would help in providing much-needed student accommodation close to UCLan.

"The development would provide good quality student accommodation which would bring a positive contribution into the local area without creating a significant detrimental impact on the amenity of the local occupiers and residents."

Cllr Shah Hussain, who represents the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, said: "I very much hope that this plays a role in turning Burnley into a university town and those benefits.

"Burnley is expanding and we have done that with the football team being in the Premier League for a few years.

"These works will complement what is happening in the area with the new cinema and leisure offering.

"If the students are living in the town then they will be spending money there and boosting the economy too.

"This accommodation is built to a high standard and will bring students to the area.

"It will also bring money to the high street which has taken a bit of a battering because of coronavirus."