THE developer of a block of 76 flats on the site of a former health centre and Islamic school is seeking to make alterations to his original proposals and brighten up its frontage.

In December 2019 Homewood Properties was given planning permission to build the apartments on an acre of land in Oakenhurst Road in Blackburn town centre.

Now it has decided to change some of the key elements of the development on the site of the now demolished Montague Health Centre later used by the Palm Tree Islamic School.

The changes will be debated by Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee on Thursday night.

A report by planning officer Christian Barton tells councillors: "The initial proposals involved the construction of five-storey apartment block consisting of 76 one and two bedroom apartments.

"An associated carpark and rooftop garden area was also proposed.

"These proposed variations involve the application of amendments to the internal layout and external appearance of the apartment block.

"The building was last in use as an Islamic school and was demolished in 2018.

"The former Montague Health Centre building was purpose built around 1970.

"The building, while not actually ugly, was somewhat non-descript and uninviting.

"The building is to be operated by the applicant and a 24-hour concierge is to be available. The roof of the building is to accommodate a roof top garden area.

"The proposed amendments involve changes to the internal layout, external construction materials and window arrangements.

"Changes would be applied to the shape of the building at roof level.

"The layout of the apartments would be amended on all five levels.

"The overall quantity of apartments and number of bedrooms would remain unchanged.

"The building approved would have been predominantly brick faced with areas of cladding proposed for the gable stairwell shafts.

"This application involves the use of a more varied palette of materials with bricks, render and horizontal cladding applied.

"A plant room would be formed on the roof together with lobby areas serving the rooftop garden.

"Changes to the door and window arrangements are proposed to all four elevations with a less regular arrangement proposed to the front and rear.

"The glazed balustrade enclosing the roof would be retained.

"The amended fenestration would provide design improvements when the regularity of the original consent is taken into account."