An 'unkempt' site in Blackburn is set to be redeveloped with a modern industrial unit despite five objections from nearby residents.

The vacant brownfield land is in Hollin Bridge Street, Ewood.

Applicants H and P Gregson want to construct an industrial unit with an integral two-storey office building.

The new building would have 'in a modern, commercial style' and an irregular footprint.

An officer's report recommends Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee on Thursday night to approve the scheme with 21 conditions.

It reveals there have been five public objections to the proposal, including one supported by Blackburn MP Kate Hollern.

They include:

  • trees will be felled;
  • noise;
  • loss of light;
  • increased traffic;
  • highway safety;
  • inadequate parking;
  • risk of flooding;
  • there is nothing in relation to the safe removal of the large tank on site;
  • air pollution;
  • adjacent properties may be devalued; and
  • the proposals may increase anti-social behaviour.

The report from planning officer Christian Barton says: "The council’s development plan supports new commercial/employment development.

"The removal of the existing structures on site will be resolved with the public protection team as part of the land remediation strategy.

"The proposed building would have an irregular footprint.

"A three-bay service area, offices and supporting rooms would be provided on the ground floor with offices and a meeting room on the first floor.

"Blockwork and grey cladding would be used. Any doors and windows would be externally coated in a grey colour.

"The existing boundary walls would be retained and repaired accordingly.

"The site currently appears unkempt and any development proposals would offer a welcomed opportunity to improve its appearance.

"The proposed building would form a relatively prominent feature.

"Large commercial buildings of a multitude of styles form the prevailing character of the local area and this building would be significantly smaller than the majority of those existing buildings.

"Subject to appropriate conditions, the proposal would be acceptable in terms of design, highways, servicing and parking, flooding, land contamination, air quality, and crime management.

"The loss of a few low-quality trees here would not materially harm the outlook of the immediate neighbours when the current condition of the site is taken into account.

"Anti-social behaviour is a police matter and these proposals would not materially increase such activity."