A Blackburn town centre garage owner is proposing to add an upper floor to his premises to store tyres.

Iftakhar Ahmed wants to create the extension to his Sharples Street MOT & Repairs Garage in Sharples Street.

He has submitted a planning application for the creation of an upper-storey for tyre storage to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A supporting statement says: "The proposal is to add a first-floor level above the already existing ground-floor level industrial storage unit.

"The present single-storey storage unit is located within an industrial/ commercial area surrounded by other buildings and premises differing in size and usage.

"The existing single-storey building is constructed of medium density blockwork to the perimeter of the building boundary covered with profiled steel mono-pitch roof.

"The premises is located approximately one to 1.3 miles south of Blackburn town centre.

"The existing single-storey building is presently used as storage of vehicles and tyres.

"The existing application site is connected to existing MOT and repairs garage buildings immediately next door and also under the ownership of the applicant.

"The present single-storey building was formerly a car repairs and tyre repairs workshop.

"Due to limited space available, the applicant wishes to add a first floor level for tyre storage and tyre repair allowing additional space for vehicles arriving for either MOT testing or repairs.

"New window openings are to be added to the front.

"The proposed finish to the exterior elevations to the first-floor addition will be similar in finish to existing walls at ground floor level. The roof decking will be steel-profiled insulated panels to a mono-pitch roof above.

"Access for vehicles will be through the existing main gated access off Sharples Street with a secondary lockable sliding gate.

"The large space enclosed by the existing concrete block walls will allow vehicles to enter and exit in forward gear.

"Due to the nature of the business, a designated area will be allocated for customers as a customer waiting area for people awaiting repairs to their vehicles and or tyres.

"Due to the external gradient of the footpath and road access will be available for all."