A SUCCESSFUL Blackburn upholstery business is set to expand and create jobs.

Yahya Patel can now build a new workshop next to his existing Auto Seat Covers premises on Percliff Way on the Glenfield Industrial Estate in Whitebirk.

He has been given planning permission by Blackburn with Darwen Council to build the storage unit on vacant land.

The new unit will create employment opportunities for local residents.

Planning officer Martin Kenny's report recommending approval says: "The application site is positioned within the existing Glenfield Business Park, Blackburn, a Primary Employment Area.

"The proposal relates to an open parcel of land adjoining unit 1A, which currently accommodates a storage container.

"Approval is sought for the erection of a commercial unit, to be used for light industrial purposes.

"The new unit will adjoin number 1A and replicate its built form; incorporating brick walling at ground floor with profile steel to the upper walling and roof.

"The unit is served by a large roller shutter door to the front elevation.

"The submission indicates the unit will be used in conjunction with number 1A, though there are no internal links

"The proposed unit will replicate the form of the existing adjacent units within the business park.

"Their style would be typical of modern commercial units and no significant visual implications would arise from this scheme.

"The proposed development would be acceptable in visual design terms

"The site will be accessed by the existing arrangements serving the business park. No issues arise."

A Design and Access statement submitted with the application said: “The new unit will provide a dedicated space for the manufacturing of upholstered seating complimenting the current business operation.

“The unit workshop area will be approximately 80 square metres.

“Bringing the redundant piece of land that is currently occupied by a metal storage container into use would create employment opportunities for local residents.

“The units will bring more staff to the area, which in turn will have a positive financial impact on the surrounding businesses.

“The existing successful business has outgrown its current space and the proposal would allow much needed space to help continue the business to grow.”