PLANS to turn a Darwen pub into a house of multiple occupancy have been recommended for approval despite numerous complaints from residents.

A final decision over whether to turn The Borough Hotel, Grimshaw Street, into 15 flats with a shared bathroom, lounge and dining facilities will be made on Thursday by the Blackburn with Darwen planning committee.

The proposed premises would be aimed at providing accommodation for single working professionals — but internal conversion work not requiring planning permission has already commenced. Ten letters of objection were sent to the borough council, and residents are angry that changes appear to be going ahead without any prior warning.

Mrs J Allen, of Thompson Street, said in a letter to the council: “I was always under the impression that planning permission should be sought before changing the use of such a building, not when the work is almost finished.”

Maria Grieco, of the same street, said: “We have seen numerous tradesmen and deliveries go in and out but it was not until a few weeks ago, when we rang the planning department to see if we could see the plans, that we found out there were no plans to see.”

Tensions are also high over the fact that the development could give rise to noise and nuisance and attract undesirable attitudes.

Karl Gauntlett, of Thompson Street, said: “This area does not need a house of multiple tenants as it is a very quiet and close-knit neighbourhood.

“I can only see the area being negatively affected by this proposal. We of the immediate vicinity do not need potential drug problems or people with questionable backgrounds moving into the area, lowering our house prices.”

John Cruickshanks, also of Thompson Street, said: “The development is akin to a hostel in size. I am concerned at the possibility of noise and nuisance.”

Residents have complained the proposed development offers inadequate living and storage space.

Ms Greico said: “I was horrified when I saw the size of the rooms to be let out. I cannot believe the space that they are offering lends itself to a standard of decency that would allow people to live comfortably.”

If approved, the development would be subject to the submission of a management plan and a parking scheme.