CAMPAIGNERS have won a fight to stop a pharmacy opening at “one of the most congested junctions in Blackburn”.

Two petitions carrying 141 names were handed to Blackburn with Darwen Council objecting to Cohens Chemists plans to convert 33 Preston Old Road from a residential house to a small dispensing pharmacy.

The applicant wanted to relocate from its current premises in Cherry Tree and use the mid-terrace house, which is next door to Witton Medical Centre, to sell over-the-counter drugs and medication between 8.15am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Coun Damian Talbot spoke on behalf of residents against the plans at a meeting in Blackburn Town Hall.

He said: “This property is very close to one of the most congested junc-tions in Blackburn.

"Traffic often queues both ways and parking is very limited. This will only aggravate the problem.

“The idea that people will mainly walk from the surgery to the chemist, I don’t agree with.

"Also, what about deliveries of supplies? They could block the road.

"It’s clearly a residential area, with not a single retail shop in the block.

"It’s one of the most attractive gateways into town and it needs to be maintained.”

However, a representative of Cohens Chemists, said: “It would be on a very small scale and, due to the proximity to the medical centre, I do not believe there will be increased traffic in the area.”

Planning officers recommended the plans for approval, but Coun Alan Cottam, of the planning committee, moved for refusal, which was seconded by Coun Dave Harling, based on traffic concerns and worries over the impact on the area’s character.