A BLACKBURN fast food outlet wants to turn its neighbouring cash machine and strong room into a waiting area for customers.

Owner Syd Mohmed is seeking planning permission to revamp the premises in the middle of a small terrace of shops on Shear Brow.

His proposal would turn the central section between Mr Joe’s burgers and the Mai Chippy and Chinese takeaway into a waiting area with seats. Mr Mohmed has asked Blackburn with Darwen Council to approve the scheme.

A design and access statement from Compass Architectural + Consultants Ltd says: “The application site is a narrow and linear premise previously used a cash machine dispenser with a strong room internally where currency and machinery was kept.

“Due to the economic downturn, this unit has now become vacant and a new sustainable use is sought to bring vitality to the parade and employment. The applicant desires to extend the frontage of the premises in line with the adjacent Mr Joe’s and Mai Chippy to bring consistency to the projecting build line and enhance the parade which looks unsightly in its current condition.

“This property previously consisted of one unit but was segregated many years ago. The applicant intends to extend the vacant premises to co-join with the adjacent café/restaurant to create much required waiting and seating area.”