THE conversion of another East Lancashire pub into flats will be discussed by councillors following concerns from neighbours.

Burnley-based AJP Chartered Surveyors have applied to redevelop the Kings Inn, King’s Bridge Street, in Mill Hill, Blackburn.

MORE TOP STORIES:

They want to turn it into three one-bedroomed flats and a two bedroomed apartment.

The pub has been closed for more than a year.

Two nearby residents have submitted letters to Blackburn with Darwen Council expressing concern about noise, parking and privacy if the scheme goes ahead.

There has also been concern over the rate of pub closures in East Lancashire with a report by drinks trade analysts CGA in August 2013 identifying Blackburn as one of the hardest hit towns in the country.

The rest of the area has also seen a rising rate of traditional licensed premises closing their doors for good.

In an objection letter, J Nightingale of Beverley Street said the area was “already saturated with housing of this type” adding that the flats are “an unnecessary addition to this area and would cause great distress and inconvenience” to existing local residents.

Mr and Mrs G and M Morrison, of King’s Bridge Street, broadly support the proposal saying “after years of anti-social behaviour when the property was a public house” the change of use has the potential to benefit the neighbourhood.

They ask for reassurances about noise, disturbance and disruption being kept to a minimum during the conversion.

Planning officers, who recommend Blackburn with Darwen council planning committee approve the application with conditions on noise, say the flats would diversify housing in an area of mainly two and three-bedroomed terraced homes.

Meadowhead councillor Ashley Whalley said: “The Kings used to be very popular some time ago and I used to play for the Sunday football team.

“But rising costs of beer and changing consumption habits forced it to close down some time ago.

“Rather than the building becoming derelict, this move to flats appears to be a move in the right direction.”

Councillors will discuss the plans at a development meeting on Thursday.