A new 'indoor golf experience' aimed at improving accessibility to the sport is coming to Blackburn with Darwen.

The state-of-the-art 'virtual' golfing centre has been approved by planners.

Chorley-based Go Golf Ltd can now press ahead with converting Unit 1 at the Eccleshill Business Park in Chanters Way, Darwen, into a golf simulator centre.

The 4,000-square-foot members-only centre will have six high-tech simulator bays and a putting area, together with a bar, lounge and bathroom.

It is hoped the new centre - where people can practice golf or virtually play a selection of golf courses from around the world - will improve access to and participation in the sport.

The applicants have said they hope to invite local schools to the centre to get more children taking part and run introductory sessions for children and people of all abilities to take up the sport.

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council says: "The proposed facility is brought forward by the applicant Go Golf Limited – an innovative start-up business with strong local roots.

"The purpose of the facility will see GoGolf Limited provide a flexible, state-of-the-art indoor golf facility in a safe and secure space, for local community use.

"Go Golf will make golf more accessible to all.

"Golf can be seen as an ‘elitist’ sport, and a virtual experience can offer a more inclusive option for all within the borough."

A report by planning officer Jamie Edwards says: "Planning permission is sought for a proposed change of use from the current industrial/storage use to an indoor virtual golf experience.

"There will be six designated simulator bays, a putting area together with an ancillary bar, lounge space and bathroom.

"Information contained within the supporting statement submitted as part of the application sets out a number of community benefits of the proposal, including engagement with local schools, provision of introductory classes to children in the local area, and the ability for golfers of all ages and abilities to access the facility, encouraging participation in golf.

"As such, it is considered that the proposed development would provide some community benefit

"Concern is, however, raised as to the reduction in the number of potential jobs this development will support (one full-time employee equivalent) compared to an employment use.

"The supporting information sets out that a number (seven in total) of either town centre or edge-of-centre sites have been considered at length.

"However, they have been discounted given they are unsuitable.

"The proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle due to the lack of realistic alternatives.

"It will provide an indoor sports facility that is supported by the Golf Assessment undertaken as part of the Local Plan preparation and help to increase participation in golf providing a useful community resource.

"On balance, it is considered that these factors outweigh the relatively minimal loss of employment land in this location."