A ‘for sale’ sign has gone up outside a former Blackburn pub. This is after plans for the pub were approved to be turned into a shop and apartments.

A picture has emerged of a ‘for sale’ sign outside The Dun Horse, which closed unexpectedly in 2022.

The building is privately-owned and had been put up for sale by commercial letting estate agents, Trevor Dawson.

This is months after the council approved plans for the pub to become a shop and apartments.

Last year, Nelson-based Zakir Khan, of Oakwood Investment Mcr Ltd, applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council to convert the former Dun Horse pub in Market Street Lane, into a ground floor convenience store and four self-contained flats in its upper floors.

The changes to the building also involve its part demolition to the rear and the erection of new fire escape stairway with new pitched lean-to roof.

The Dun Horse hosted the return of a famous indie night called C'est La Vie in July 2022 after the pub was taken over by new managers.

However, the establishment closed later that year with no details given as to why. 

The site has remained vacant ever since.

The plans propose changing the ground floor of the existing licensed premises to become a convenience store with no access to the upper levels, the basement cellar becoming a storeroom for the shop, the first floor being converted into two one bed studio flats and the second floor being turned into two one bed studio flats.

The plans were approved on August 31.

According to a heritage statement submitted with the application, the site dates back to the mid-1800s. It takes up a prominent position being located at the corner of Market Street Lane and a side alleyway.

In 1848 it was noted as being a relieving officers' office.

Trevor Dawson has been approached for comment.