PLANS for a deli-bar on the car park of a sports and community centre have been given the green light.

Zahim Khan wanted to build a single-storey cabin to supply food and drink at the local hub in Blackburn.

The Dual Eats proposal for Audley Sports and Community Centre in Chester Street will see five of the 45 car parking spaces being removed.

The application was discussed by Blackburn with Darwen's Planning Committee last Thursday night and the plan was approved.

Cllr Mahfooz Hussain, who represents the Blackburn Central ward, said: "I supported the idea as it is providing healthy foods and I think if it is successful we could see more healthy food places around Blackburn with Darwen and it is something that could really take off."

In one of three letters of support submitted to the council, Nikhat Pardesi of Al Islah Girls High School said: "As the eatery will be situated on the forecourt of Audley Centre, not only is this beneficial to the local community but to also our students as well. The girls regularly visit and utilise the sports facilities at the centre and can also benefit from the healthy eating options available at Zahim's food outlet."

A statement by agents Khalid Khan and Associates supporting Mr Khan's planning application said: " The car park is underused and screened by distant trees and shrubbery. It is open to youths gathering around, and leaving remnants of drug needles, cigarette stubs, and laughing gas canisters.

"The proposal is to erect a single-storey deli-bar cabin cladded in Cedar Wood.

"Mr Khan,has a degree in Sports and Exercise Science and Nutrition, and the ethos of the food to be sold under the under the Dual Eats Banner is for health and nourishment.vThe menu as attached comprises healthy foods and snacks combining street specialities from different parts of the world, welcoming customers from different faiths."