A FORMER church in Burnley with a chequered history may be about to take on a new role as a base for the homeless and ‘excluded’.

Several purposes have been sought for the former Burnley Lane Baptist Church, in Colne Road, over the past few years.

Homeless charity Emmaus had the grade II listed premises pinpointed as the headquarters for a £2million accommodation project, before the organisation opted instead for the former Booth Court housing complex.

And then Emica Global Ltd had proposals to convert the chapel into an ‘e-warehouse’, including the replacement of a number of windows as doors.

But the developers became embroiled in a dispute with borough planners over the removal of a horseshoe balcony, pews, stairs, an organ loft and interior wood panelling.

Now Peace Education Mission is looking to launch a ‘charitable and social enterprise’ at the church, which dates back to 1845 and replaced an earlier place of worship, which was first erected in 1787.

Syed Ali has asked Burnley Council for planning permission to create training and education rooms for ‘the homeless and excluded group especially BME (black ethnic minority) women, alongside offices and a conference hall.

Supporting the venture, a retail shop selling furniture, food, pots, pans and household items, is envisaged, as well as accommodation for a caretaker.

Mr Ali, whose charity is listed as being based in Leamington Road, Blackburn, said: “The application is for a change of use only.

“No building alterations are required or proposed.”