The estate manager's offices in the stables block of the former Thwaites Brewery in Blackburn town centre has been earmarked for seven self-contained flats.

The one and two-bedroomed apartments would revitalise the run-down building in Eanam Mews, the plans state.

The proposal on The Stables Business Park in Eanam would add to the housing supply in the area.

Nazia Shah, of the Blackburn-based Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd, has applied for planning permission for the conversion to Blackburn with Darwen Council on behalf of an unnamed developer.

The scheme would include the reinstatement of windows and erection of an external staircase to the rear, as well as providing parking spaces for the future occupiers.

The main Star Brewery site in Penny Street has been cleared for redevelopment following Thwaites relocation to the Ribble Valley.

The plans come shortly after the shock news that Morrisons has pulled out of plans to build a new supermarket on the cleared Thwaites site, a major blow to the council's £250 million town centre regeneration project.

A supporting statement with the apartment plans read: "The application site relates to the former Thwaites offices and estate manager’s accommodation located adjacent to the former Stable block which formed part of the Thwaites brewery site.

"A small number of buildings associated with Thwaites remained including the stables, the firm's former technical services block (a former public house) and the now-closed Fleece pub with the former visitors’ centre.

"The proposal comprises sustainable development and will generate additional income for the local authority in council tax.

"Additional flats within the town centre also contribute towards footfall and overall vibrancy at a time when town centres and high streets are in decline.

"The application site is located within the Eanam Wharf Conservation Area.

"The site is accessed to the south of the A677, a main route into Blackburn town centre.

"To the rear of the site is an enclosed courtyard, largely unseen from the public realm.

"The application site is known as Eanam Mews.

"It comprises a two-storey brick frontage which includes a round-headed doorway and adjacent gatehouse.

"To the rear, the single-storey buildings built on a curve date from 1881 and were designed as a coach house, harness room and stables.

"The main entrance opens onto an enclosed courtyard paved with setts. Two-storey stables extend along the west perimeter.

"The applicant seeks to put the vacant floor space to effective use.

"The site is located within walking distance of shops and close to local services and public transport provision.

"The site is located close to footpaths, green spaces, parks and leisure opportunities."