A vacant suburban shop can now be modernised and split into two modern retail units, despite neighbours' concerns over highway safety, parking and anti-social behaviour.

Nazra Bano Shakil has applied for planning permission for the sub-division of the dated premises in Cheltenham Road, Wensley Fold, Blackburn.

She hopes to rent the units to small businesses such as nail bars or convenience stores now the conversion has been approved.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted her planning permission for the work with four conditions, including a restriction on operating hours to between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Three letters of objection from neighbouring residents expressed concern the upgrade would cause highway safety and parking issues and increase anti-social behaviour in the area, creating additional crime such as shoplifting and drug use.

They also feared local children would be at a higher risk of harm due to additional vehicular movement.

Drawings of the planned changesDrawings of the planned changes

A report recommending approval by planning office Adam Shaikh said: "The application site relates to two attached units lying to the south side of Cheltenham Road.

"The units are single-storey and are located within a typical residential setting with dwellings to all sides.

"Formerly [one] unit was in use as a shoemaker/cobbler and [the other] used in conjunction providing storage as shown on the existing floor plan.

"This application seeks permission to sub-divide both units, providing two individual units and external alterations resulting in new shopfronts, replacement of glazing to the gable with brickwork, and alterations to the rear.

"The development incorporates positive measures aimed at reducing crime and improving community safety, including appropriate detailed design, the provision of adequate facilities for young people, and the creation of a suitable mix of uses.

"It is important to point out the proposal would bring a vacant building back to life.

"On this basis, it is considered that the proposal would have a positive impact on the character of the area.

"The proposals would result in new individual shop fronts.

"The proposed shopfront would replace an existing full-width timber door.

"This is considered to be an improvement to that of the existing arrangement and would introduce a modern yet proportionate frontage to both units.

"Similarly, replacing the glazing with brickwork to the gable would enhance the unit and result in a more visually aesthetic gable elevation than the existing arrangement."