A BLACKBURN hot food takeaway owner wants to add a small restaurant area above his existing business.

Rasul Awaz is seeking planning permission for the conversion of the first floor to seating area above his premises at 32 Whalley Banks.

He also wants to install new externally fitted roller shutters, upgrade the exhaust flue and add a set of fire escape stairs.

A design and access statement submitted with his planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council says: "The ground floor of 32 Whalley Banks is currently used as a hot food takeaway business.

"The previous owner used the first floor as residential, and the second floor was used for storage.

"The new owners want to keep the ground floor as a hot food takeaway but change the first floor into a small restaurant or sitting area for up to 20 people.

"The second floor's use will remain the same.

"The building is in the middle of a row and is located on Whalley Banks, where there are other businesses, including other hot food places.

"The terrace block benefits from designated parking spaces available on the street.

"On the ground floor, the new owners plan to install external roller shutters, upgrade the canopy, and improve the extraction flue.

"The first floor will become a restaurant or sitting area, with changes to the window size and a new fire exit at the back, following building regulations.

"The second floor will remain unchanged.

"The property has designated parking spaces, both in the front and rear.

"A new metal frame platform will be added at the back for a fire escape route. There is enough space at the rear for bins.

"The proposed changes are not expected to significantly impact the appearance of the street.

"Although the proposed seating for 20 customers on the first floor may strain existing parking spaces, it is believed that this won't negatively affect traffic and parking, considering available spaces on this block as well as on Dale Street and Brunswick Street."