Blackburn's MyLahore restaurant set to open despite planning problems

MyLahore, based in the old Red Lion Hotel in Whitebirk Road, Blackburn, is due to open by the end of August said a spokesperson for the Bradford-based chain.

This is despite planners rejecting an application for the new signage on and around the Grade II listed pub building which dates from at least 1735.

In May, the Bradford-based chain was granted planning permission for the new restaurant to open, but now Blackburn with Darwen Council planners have turned down a further application for the 11 signs - several of which will be illuminated.

The decision notice says: "The proposed advertisements fail to preserve the special interest of the listed building and its setting.

New signs are already up at MyLahore

"Modern, prominent and colourful designs would result in incongruous additions and in-turn would have an unacceptable effect on the significance of the heritage asset.

"The signs by virtue of their number, scale and positioning represent excessive advertising and visual clutter which has a negative impact on the host building and its surroundings."

Molly Burgess, social media manager for MyLahore, said: "We are hoping to open in July/August, final date to be confirmed.

"Our tagline is ‘British Asian Kitchen’, so you can expect an eclectic mix of dishes! We aim to offer quality food, a relaxed environment.

"Regarding signage and planning, we are very mindful of preserving the character of the building and area.

"Our aim is to both respect and enhance the locality. We’re working hard to create an amazing restaurant that will hopefully be a much-loved asset for local people.

Signs, like these, have been rejected

"We are actively working with the planners to come up with a solution that is best for the site, and are more than willing to adjust our designs to suit.

"An amended application will be submitted in due course."

A report by planning officer Jamie Edwards added: "The proposal seeks advertisement consent to install a range of proposed signs to advertise the restaurant use known as ‘MyLahore'.

"There will be 11 signs in total positioned on the exterior of the building and within the site's curtilage.

"Fixed to the listed building will be three illuminated 'My Lahore' letter signs, two panel signs, one digital screen and one set of entrance letters.

"Located within the grounds of the property the proposed signage includes a large three sided internally-illuminated Totem sign."

Once it opens, the Blackburn site will be MyLahore's fifth site across the North and the Midlands, alongside it's flagship site in Bradford, and restaurants in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.