A former dentist's surgery's conversion into two flats has been granted partially backdated planning permission.

The authority has also confirmed the use of the rest of the building in Preston New Road, in Wensley Fold on the edge of Blackburn town centre, as three more flats.

The applications by Mr Jones Thomas for the large vacant property have been approved by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A report on the conversion of the ground floor dental practice by senior planner Christian Barton says: "The application site forms part of a vacant, mixed-use building that is located within the settlement of Blackburn.

"A dentist formally occupied the ground floor with residential accommodation operated below in the basement and above on the first and second levels.

"This application involves the ground floor alone and it seeks part-retrospective consent to form two flats.

"The works are part-retrospective as many of the internal reconfigurations are likely to have taken place by now, based on site previous observations.

"Flat one would have a front lounge area, central bedroom and wet room and kitchen area to the rear.

"Flat two would have a lounge area and kitchenette to the front, central bedroom, and shower room to the rear.

"Both flats would utilise the existing front and rear access points. No external works are proposed in support of the change of use."

Mr Thomas also asked for a certificate of lawful use for the basement as a two-bedroomed flat and the first and second floors as two two-bedroomed maisonette flats.

The three flats have already been used as such.

A report by Mr Barton granting the certificate says: "Information has been provided that seeks to establish a residential use for the basement level, first and second floors of the building.

"The flats have clearly been vacant for an extended period of time and such assertions broadly align with the comments provided by Blackburn with Darwen Council Tax.

"In addition, council address records show that five flats are registered within the building.

"The building has changed ownership this year and the sale particulars are still viewable online.

"On the balance of probability, and based on the information provided, the site has a lawful residential use in the form of one one-bedroom flat in the basement and two two-bedroom maisonette flats to the first and second floors."