HOPES of a £250,000 revamp of Darwen Town Hall have been boosted after the scheme was given planning permission.

Councillors have hailed a “major step forward” for the scheme, which has been hit by a string of delays in the past.

It will see a new frontage to the market hall, bringing new shops to the main square, returning the 138-year-old building to its original appearance.

Replacement windows and a new staff entrance will also be added.

Planning officers gave the green light to the plans under delegated powers this week.

Marsh House councillor Simon Huggill said: “This is a major hurdle we have got over. There are two important aspects to this – it will improve the general appearance of the building, and also increase its usage. It shows that we as a council are continuing to invest in Darwen for the future.”

Work on the first stage of the project, moving toilets away from the frontage and into an annex and fitting them with baby-changing facilites, was delayed for six months last year but is now well under way.

Darwen market hall was built in 1871 to house local council offices.

The original designs included shop fronts opening up on to the town square, but these were replaced at the east end by office space and blocked off compelely at the west side when public toilets were built there in the 1970s.

Capita Symonds, which is running the project for the council, said the facade had been erdoed by building work and the weather but the plans would “reinsate the visual appearance” of the original building.“ The council has earmarked £200,000 and sought £53,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.