A FORMER training centre in a Blackburn suburb is to become a dessert shop despite objections from nearby residents about the 'exponential rise' in such businesses.

Their concerns have been backed by the town's MP Kate Hollern.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the planning application from Mrs Annisa Asif for Unit 3 in the Brookhouse Business Centre in Whalley Range.

Her proposal follows the approval in February for the use of the neighbouring units 1 and 2 for an ice cream and dessert parlour operated by Chocoberry Blackburn.

Mrs Asif also proposes to fit a new shop front.

A report to Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee meeting on Thursday night recommending the granting of permission says: "The single-storey commercial unit is in an accessible and highly sustainable location, and has the added benefit of a large shared car park to the rear of the unit.

"A number of objections have been raised by local residents, including a petition, citing highway safety/parking, infrastructure, public health and amenity concerns.

"The Highways Authority has also objected to the proposal, and a letter has been received from the local MP.

"The proposal would introduce a more active frontage, and have a positive impact on the character and vitality of the centre.

"The proposal would bring vacant premises back into use, and would not have an unacceptable impact on the level of shopping provision or lead to a change in the character of the street.

"Potential adverse health impacts of the proposed development have been raised by local residents, (including a letter from the local MP), including a concern that there is an over saturation of such uses in the area.

"The petition states: “This is a petition against the exponential rise of dessert and tea shops and businesses in Blackburn and especially the Whalley Range area.

"This onslaught in the rise of business without proper planning permission is very alarming and amounts to gentrification of our community and neighbourhood.

"We demand a moratorium on any new business outlets as they are bringing in high levels of traffic and noise as well as litter and vermin infestations into our neighbourhood. "

"Although the prevalence of uses that have the potential to adversely affect public health are noted, it would be extremely difficult to demonstrate that the addition of this one relatively small dessert parlour would tip the balance of acceptability in terms of the cumulative impact of the whole district centre.

"The proposal would be more likely to just increase choice, which would be welcomed."