The conversion of the upper floors of a row of terraced properties in a town centre into flats can go ahead planners have ruled.

Permission has been granted for the change to the stretch in Bolton Road, Darwen, despite concerns about parking, access and the proposal's impact on the ground floor shops.

Applicant Mr S Fani has been granted prior approval for the work by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

He can now create four one-bedroomed and two two-bedroomed flats on the first and second floors above the premises.

One letter of objection from a nearby resident cited concerns including works to the building that have been undertaken have had no due consideration for owners/occupants of parts of the building that the applicant does not own, the shared entrance to flats and commercial units at ground floor not being appropriate and potential security implications, retail units business may be compromised, and no appropriate fire escapes available for the occupants of the flats.

Two further letters of comment expressed concerns about access and the lack of parking available with the site being in a Conservation Area.

A report by planning office Adam Shaikh recommending approval with two conditions regarding windows and ventilation says: "The application site relates to a row of three-storey terraced properties, constructed from stone with chamfered corners, and modest, repetitive stone detailing and fenestration and a tiled roof.

"The ground floor of the row is in commercial use with period-style shop fronts.

"The properties are located on the east side of Bolton Road, in a commercial area, in the commercial heart of the town at the circus where five roads meet.

"The site lies within the Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area, located within the Commercial Character Area.

"The proposed properties also lie within close proximity to the Grade II listed pair of former tram shelters and attached railings enclosing the centre of the square, Boer War Memorial and Belgrave Chapel.

"The commercial use at ground floor will be unaffected by the proposal.

"The proposal would meet with the criteria listed in the General Permitted Development) (England) (GPDO) Order 2015. Prior Approval is therefore granted for this development."