The garage in a three-bedroomed Blackburn house is to be converted into a dog grooming parlour.

Householder Tara Finn has been given the go-ahead to turn the annexe in Thistle Trail, Livesey, into a space for pooch pampering.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted planning permission for the change with four conditions including one limiting the use to the hours of 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

The decision follows the authority approving a similar garage to dog grooming salon scheme at a bungalow in Harbour Lane, Edgworth, in September.

A planning officer's report recommending approval says: "The proposal relates to an existing three-bedroom dwelling.

"The unit has an integral garage with two additional parking spaces within the driveway.

"The property is within a modern housing estate.

"The proposal seeks a change to a mixed-use comprising dog grooming parlour and dwelling.

"The dog grooming area will be formed within a section of the existing integral garage, the remainder being retained as a storage area.

"The only external alteration related to the proposal is the insertion of a door within the gable wall of the property.

"Eleven neighbours were consulted by letter. No comments have been received.

"The proposed commercial use is likely to operate at a level only a little above what could reasonably be regarded as ancillary to the main house.

"It is considered that there can be scope for small-scale commercial activity in residential areas provided it does not adversely affect amenity.

The proposed part conversion of garage to dog grooming parlour would be located within the rear half of the garage.

"There is to be no alteration to the existing front elevation of the garage with the ‘up and over’ door being retained.

"The anticipated grooming of four dogs per day, over a period of four to five days per week (excluding Sunday use) is not considered to form an intensive operation.

"This serves to ensure that the associated comings and goings will not be excessive. Furthermore, it is anticipated that some of the patrons will arrive on foot.

"The proposed equipment (clippers, hair dryer, shower/bath) are also appropriate to the residential setting."

A supporting statement with Mrs Finn's application says: "There will only be one person (the applicant) and one pet in the grooming area at any one time.

"There is no encroachment on the main part of the house, which will remain entirely in residential use.

"Only the garage will be converted and no loss of habitable space.

"There will be no business signage on the front of the building."