An office building has been earmarked for a new day nursery.

Positive Smiles has applied for approval for the conversion of the 'substantial' empty premises in Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

The firm has asked Blackburn with Darwen Council for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the conversion.

It is proposed to change its use from a vacant office building into a day nursery and daycare centre.

A supporting statement to planners says: "The premises are a substantial terraced two-storey building currently used for office purposes and have been so used since 1980.

"The road runs through several neighbourhoods, including Roe Lee and Whitebirk.

"It is considered that the proposed use of the premises as a day nursery is lawful development under the provision of the Town and Country Planning Order 2020.

"Therefore, a specific application for a change of use of the premises to the said use is not required."

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning department will make a decision on the application in due course.