PLANS to renovate a clothes factory in Limbrick, Blackburn, and create additional floor space look set finally to be given the go-ahead after residents won changes to the original scheme.

A similar project was blocked by councillors in 1997 when they agreed with residents that the development would overshadow their homes.

The roof structure would have enlarged the building and blocked out light to homes in Limbrick and Altom Street.

Councillors also went along with residents' complaints over the effect the project would have had on the character and appearance of Bold Street and the effect on road safety in the area.

Central Clothing Ltd, who are behind the application, appealed against the council's decision but a government inspector rejected their pleas.

Now, a further application has been submitted to the council, taking into account the complaints by residents. The new development at the factory will be less overbearing for nearby residents and road safety measures, including double yellow lines on parts of Bold Street and Altom Street, will be installed.

Some residents have continued to object to the scheme and have sent letters to the council asking for the project to be rejected once more.

One wrote: "We are fearful that should this be a speculative development it could, in the future, be let out as units.

"This would further increase the traffic flows engendered by goods-in and goods-out vehicles, which are very often extremely large, causing road blocking.

"Ambulances and fire engines are already hard-pressed to negotiate passage through without the prospect of additional traffic caused by the increased accommodation."

But officers are urging councillors to approve the scheme at a town hall meeting of the planning committee tomorrow.

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