A TOWN'S former police station could be bought by the council in a bid to prevent unwanted redevelopment.

The huge building in Blackburn's Northgate is up for sale after Lancashire Police Authority moved officers to its new Greenbank station in Whitebirk two years ago.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regard the grade two listed building as a key site which could be used as a centrepiece for urban regeneration in that part of the town.

It is also keen to bring a high class hotel, flats or offices into the town centre.

An earlier bid by the council to buy the station was turned down by the police authority because it wanted to "test the market".

Later today members of the council's Labour-led ruling executive will be asked to sanction a new bid, believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

It is thought the council wants to buy the building so that any undesirable developments can be blocked. The council will then only sell it to developers who meet their criteria.

Although the planning committee can reject any unwanted applications, it can only do so for certain reasons and developers can appeal against decisions, which are often overturned.

It is understood the council considers it easier to buy the building than risk fighting off unwanted applications in planning meetings.

In a joint statement Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration and Coun John Milburn, executive member for resources, said: "The old police station is a key building in the wider redevelopment of Blackburn centre.

"It is a listed building and is part of the King George's Hall complex. We have previously made an offer to the police authority, but they have decided to test the market.

"We are committed to ensuring that an appropriate quality redevelopment of the building takes place, whether it is directly by the council, by a private developer or in partnership with any new owner.

"There are complications in that while the police have moved out, the magistrates court will remain for a number of years before moving to new premises.

"Suitable future uses for the building might include a hotel, residential, retail or offices, or a combination of these".

Conservative leader Colin Rigby said: "As long as we can sell it on, or make some money from the land or use it for something, I don't have a problem with this."