A BUSTLING shopping area could be granted protected status to stop developers from changing the area.

Increasing pressure from developers, particularly those outside the area, has forced Blackburn with Darwen Council to act quickly to protect Whalley Range and Victoria Street.

The busy streets have become a North West hub for specialist Asian shopping with stores that sell everything from food to jewellery and clothing to hair and beauty products.

And to ensure this doesn't change, council bosses have put together proposals to introduce new planning guidelines.

They have launched a consultation for residents and shoppers over the plans.

If adopted, the new policy would have to be considered when any decisions are made on new planning app-lications for the area.

Whalley Range and Victoria Street are both classed as major neighbourhood retail centres and the new planning policy would ensure the character of the two combined areas would remain protected.

The consultation period runs from Wednesday to July 20.

Coun Dave Harling, exec-utive member for Regen-eration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The Whalley Range and Victoria Street areas are bustling shopping areas which att-ract visitors from all over the North West.

"It is part of the town centre but has its own character and appeal.

“The proposed planning guidelines should ensure that the new combined area will focus attention on the area, while retaining its character, look and retail offer.”

Copies of the consultation document will be available from www.blackburn.gov.uk, Blackburn Town Hall and at Bangor Street Community Centre, Blackburn.