Plans to turn a large house into four self-contained flats have been permitted by the council.

The application, submitted by Sufiyan Mohammed, had originally been for six apartments, but following concerns raised by a conservation officer was downsized.

The plans, submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council, will see the end terrace property in Preston New Road, Blackburn, changed from one home into flats to “create more affordable housing”.

Located in the, Corporation Park Conservation Area, Mr Mohammed said in his plans: “[I am] seeking to put into effective use a building which has been vacant for the past few months.

“A small-scale, high-quality residential scheme at the application site will contribute towards the vibrancy of Preston New Road whilst generating increased revenue for local shops and services and for the Council.”

The original plans were for flats with open-plan living spaces, with four having one bedroom and two having two bedrooms, with alterations to the roof to install sky-lights.

However the amended plans saw layouts change for there to be four one-bedroom flats instead, and no alterations to the roof.

This followed concerns raised by the conservation area over how the planned alterations would affect the appearance of the house within the conservation area, and concerns over a lack of parking space and empty flats nearby.

Following the alterations to the application, it was permitted with conditions by planning officers.

In his report, the planning officer said: “Full planning permission is sought for the conversion of the property to four one-bedroom flats.

“The conversion also requires the reinstatement of a window to the rear elevation (to serve a new bathroom), and replacement uPVC windows throughout are also sought.

“The existing hardstanding to the front of the property will provide four parking spaces.”

He said the proposal met housing needs set out in the borough’s Local Plan, with a condition placed to prevent the property becoming a house of multiple occupation.

The plans were approved with five conditions.