New proposals to revitalise a former landmark pub building in Blackburn have dropped plans for a new restaurant.

In January Younus Khan, of ZT Properties, was granted planning permission to convert the vacant former Adelphi Hotel in Railway Road into a job-creating ground-floor restaurant with six apartments on the two floors above.

Now, the new owner of the premises, Nabeel Hussain of the Bolton-based Pinsent Group, has submitted a new planning application for the building which replaces the restaurant with three one-bedroomed flats.

The pub, close to the train station, closed in September 2022 after years running as a cabaret bar, and played an important role for the LGBTQ+ community in Blackburn.

The previously approved application for the vacant four-storey building, at the junction of Railway Road and High Street within the Darwen Street Conservation Area of Blackburn town centre, was for the change of use of the ground floor from a vacant public house to a restaurant and creation of six one-bed flats at first and second floor.

Mr Khan had told planners his proposed restaurant would continue to contribute towards a leisure offer and evening economy creating jobs.

Supporting documents with Mr Hussain's fresh application said: "The most recent planning history relates to the application approved on January 24.

"This proposal comprised the change of use of the ground floor to a restaurant and the conversion of the first and second floors to residential accommodation in the form of self-contained flats.

"The applicant has purchased the whole of premises/land which falls within the application site.

"In essence, the applicant wishes to completely renovate the premises, which will comprise the change of use of the ground floor to provide a further three self-contained flats, and the conversion of the basement to provide two self-contained storage units, with a separate external access from High Street.

"The existing footprint of the premises will remain as it is at present.

"There will be no change to any front or side elevations.

"The status of the site and former use, being located within the town centre and with all attendant infrastructure in place including public transport provision, overcomes the need to provide any on-site parking provision.

"Further, the applicant will retain ownership of the flats and can impose relevant tenancy agreements and stipulations.

"Where it is obvious and necessary, the building will be fully renovated to meet modern standards of development."

Blackburn with Darwen Council Conservative regeneration spokesperson Cllr Paul Marrow said: "This is a shame.

"We need things to bring people into Blackburn town centre. This is another nail in [the coffin of] its nighttime economy."

Even if the application is approved, the previous planning permission including the ground floor restaurant will remain valid should Mr Hussain decide a new eatery is viable.