Plans for a new family-operated chai shop in a Blackburn suburb have been submitted.

Jabber Khan wants to turn half of a dress shop in Whalley Old Road, Little Harwood, into a cafe.

He has asked Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission for the change.

His proposal is for the subdivision of an existing ground floor retail unit to form a cafe in Whalley Old Road and the retention of retail shop next door.

A supporting statement with the application says: "The application address is sited mid-terraced retail premises with ancillary first floor residential which is occupied by my client and his family.

"The family itself own and operate a number of other shops a number of other shops and residential dwellings along the long parade of retail shops and within the surrounding surrounding vicinity including the launderette next door.

"There is no restrictive parking fronting the application application application site, and the premises are easily accessible from the rear back street for loading and unloading purposes.

"The proposal is to split the current premises 252 and 254 into two units with 254 being applied for a change of use into a café.

"The whole area of shop would comprise of approximately 67 square metres this includes the kitchen, WC and the seating area covering approximately 30 square metres, providing 10 covers.

"Number 252 would still continue to operate as ladies' wear shop operated operated by the applicant's mother.

"With the advent and demand for chai shops, the proposal would be to provide a simple menu to its customers primarily varieties of teas and coffees and cold drinks and shakes along with full English breakfast and simple snacks and sweet wraps with a variety of a variety of cakes and desserts.

"The proposed opening hours are 7am to 10pm.

"The premises will operated by two full time staff, the applicant with his daughter."

Those wishing to comment on the application can do so on the Blackburn with Darwen Council planning website.