PLANS for a 60-space car park at the former Lancashire Telegraph offices apartments could be shelved in favour of six more flats.

An application has been lodged with Blackburn with Darwen Council proposing to increase the number of flats at the Empire Property Concepts development from 68 to 74.

It had initially been proposed to use the basement as a car park but now the developers are proposing to use the space for extra flats.

The first tenants are due to move into the development on September 1.

This is two months later than planned, as intentions were originally set to get the first tenants moved in for June.

Just three months ago developers announced intentions to increase the number of apartments in the building from 66 to 68, in plans which Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley described at the time as a “game-changer” for the town centre.

A cover letter submitted as part of the latest application reads: “The revised proposal will include six additional residential units at the basement level which will result in a total of 74 flats across the scheme.

“The layout and number of units at lower ground, ground floor, first and second floor remain unchanged with amendments limited to the basement only.

“The site occupies a highly sustainable location.

“Future residents will be able to access facilities, services and sustainable travel modes easily and therefore, a car-free scheme is being proposed.

“As per the previous permission, a bin storage area is to be provided in the external yard and there is sufficient room in the basement to accommodate cycle parking if required.

“External alterations are proposed and will be considered under a separate application which has been concurrently submitted."

“The alterations include new window openings to the basement level to afford satisfactory light to the proposed apartments.

“As previously, the remaining windows will be replaced like for like.”