Blackburn with Darwen councillors have been urged to approve an upgrade to a historic park building despite the borough's heritage advisor have to ask town hall officials for more information about the works.

The authority's planning committee has been recommended to grant listed building consent for the improvements to the first floor flat above the Olde England Kiosk in Darwen's Sunnyhurst Woods, off Earnsdale Road.

But a report by senior planner Christian Barton tells members the initial application for the scheme did not have enough detail for the borough's heritage advisor, who had to ask other Blackburn with Darwen Council officials for more information before giving it his seal of approval.

When the committee meets on Thursday, January 18, it is recommended to grant consent for the changes to the Grade II heritage listed building, originally built in 1911-12 and as a tea house for the gentry.

The first floor flat is used by the park and kiosk's manager and family.

Mr Barton's report, which recommends approval with four conditions, says: "This application is presented to the planning committee, given it has been made on behalf of the council.

"The proposed development involves the installation of secondary glazing to the first-floor hallway, bedroom single windows and living room bay window.

"Various internal refurbishment works are also proposed, which include internal plastering, electrical works and internal carpentry.

"The works are required to improve the habitability of the ancillary first floor apartment which is permanently occupied by the centre manager.

"The application site is a Grade II listed building located to the west of Darwen and within Sunnyhurst Woods, which is a Grade II listed park.

"A function room and café are located on the ground floor with an apartment above. The building was built in the ‘old mansion’ style.

"The works are required to improve the thermal efficiency and habitability of the ancillary first-floor apartment, thereby improving the living standards of the centre manager and family.

"An initial review of the proposals was undertaken by the Blackburn with Darwen Heritage Advisor and a number of shortcomings were identified with regards to the submitted information.

"The agent has subsequently submitted additional information to address those concerns.

"Regarding the wider works proposed, the Heritage Advisor has acknowledged the limited level of impact from those works.

"A clear need for those works has also been acknowledged."