Historic Blackburn building set to get two extensions

Valli Homes Ltd is in the process of converting the former St. Stephen's Conservative Club in Robinson Street, Little Harwood, and building 11 new properties in the grounds.

Now it has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission for the additions to the Grade II heritage listed building which was originally Little Harwood Hall.

The social club closed in 2018 and its premises are currently disused.

The application proposes 'single storey side extensions to plots one and tree, insertion of three conservation rooflights to front elevation, lime render to part of side and rear elevations, reinstatement of original windows (first floor) and insertion of patio doors (ground floor)'.

A supporting statement says: "The Grade II designation of St Stephen’s Conservative Club denotes it is a building of importance in the national context.

How the building would look if plans are approved (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

"Its significance essentially derives from this special interest, that of a 17th century manor house which was ‘turned around’ and given a polite new Georgian façade probably in the late 18th century.

"The building was then altered in the early 20th century when it became a Conservative club.

"The significance is however compromised by its state of disuse, which has given the building a shabby appearance.

"Various 20th century extensions, now demolished, were unsympathetic.

"The proposal seeks to achieve an optimum viable use for the listed building.

"Essentially the proposal seeks to vary a previous consent granted in 2019 for conversion of the property to three dwellings which also involved the construction of eleven new houses in the grounds.

"The building was originally Little Harwood Hall.

"Originally standing within its own landscaped grounds, the property is now located amid a suburban area characterised mostly by late 19th century terraces.

"To the north of the building stands its former coach house and a cottage, both converted to residences.

"The site consists of the listed building and eleven new homes.

"The present proposal relates only to works on the listed building.

"The only changes are the inclusion of the two-modest single-storey extensions at each side of the property.

"The proposed extensions are minimal additions to the listed building and much smaller than what originally existed.

Their scale has been kept minimal to allow them to be invisible from the front as they will be hidden behind the existing parapet walls"