An empty Blackburn professional service office can now be turned into a new day nursery.

Younus Khan can now convert the vacant building in Whalley New Road, Roe Lee, into the base for his Positive Smiles business.

It had previously been used as solicitor's and accountant's offices.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted Mr Khan a Lawful Development Certificate for the proposed change of use of the office building to a nursery and daycare centre.

A report recommending approval by planning officer Emily Colebourne says: "The application site relates to an existing commercial unit situated on the western side of Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

"The property backs onto the Railway Line.

"It is apparent from looking on Google Street View that there has been no intervening permitted change of use or unauthorised use following the accountancy office use.

"The previous accountancy company appears to have been in use from at least March 2009, although it is now vacant.

"The last council tax was paid in October 2023.

"It should be noted that comments from the Public Protection team were received during the consultation stage about noise.

"A pre-determination acoustic assessment was requested from the PP officer, however as the application has been made under a Lawful Development Certificate we are only able to assess if the proposal complies with Permitted Development for the Change of Use, therefore the Development Plan where we would be able to assess things such as noise does not come into play.

"The report purely focuses on whether the change from a vacant office building which was a former solicitor's to a nursery accords with the General Permitted Development Order.

"The proposed use does not require express planning permission."

A supporting statement submitted with the application in September said: "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."