Outline plans have been submitted to convert three central properties in Burnley into a 16-bed block of student accommodation aimed at people attending the University of Lancashire's campus in the town.

The proposals for 37-41 Bank Parade, next door to the now-shuttered bar Loom, would involve the change of use of the buildings to student accommodation together with internal and external alterations.

Planning documents state the site is currently vacant. Nos. 37 and 39 were previously used for retail warehousing and offices, while No. 41 has largely remained as a shell after a fire gutted the inside.

Despite being described in the application as providing up to 16 “studio bedrooms”, the submitted plans show that students would not be living in self-contained studio flats. Instead, the development would comprise 16 individual bedrooms with shared facilities, including communal kitchens, dining areas and other shared spaces.

The buildings date back hundreds of years to the birth of Burnley's textile industry

placeholder image — The buildings date back hundreds of years to the birth of Burnley's textile industry

The proposed accommodation ranges in size from around 9.2 square metres to almost 24 square metres, with bedrooms spread across the converted buildings. Plans also include communal kitchen and dining facilities, a games room and cycle storage.

The buildings form part of Fishwicks Cottages, a Grade II listed property dating from the late 18th century. Historic England describes the site as a former row of cottages and a handloom weaving workshop built around 1790-1800, reflecting Burnley’s important early textile industry.

Documents state that much of the historic fabric would be retained, with existing entrances and many window openings remaining unchanged. However, substantial internal alterations are proposed to create the student accommodation, including new staircases and the reconfiguration of internal spaces.

While heritage specialists at Lancashire County Council have not objected to the proposal, they have questioned whether enough work has been done to understand the building’s historical development before alterations take place.

The authority’s Historic Environment Team recommended that a detailed historic building survey be carried out before work begins.

In planning documents, the applicant says the scheme would help meet demand for student accommodation linked to the growing presence of the University of Lancashire in Burnley, while securing the future of a vacant listed building.