PLANS to incorporate a grass verge into a car dealership could go ahead despite concerns from senior councillors.

An application for land adjacent to the BCC Citroen dealership in Throstle Street, Blackburn, is due to go before Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee next week.

The site forms part of a wider section of green space to the north of Bank Top.

If approved, the proposal will result in the loss of this section, giving way to a tarmacked surface that will host a vehicle display area.

It is recommended for approval but former education chief Cllr Dave Harling and council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan have objected.

Cllr Harling said he is concerned about the visual impact if the development was to go ahead.

A report to go before the committee on Thursday next week states: "Full planning permission is sought for a change of use of grass verge to part

of the car dealership premises, to be used for the display of vehicles for sale.

"The land will be tarmacked and maintained at its existing level with appropriate drainage provision

"The development will increase the currently available vehicle sale display area and provide additional customer parking within the existing confines of the site.

"In doing so, it will help sustain the business in its current location, ensuring a positive contribution to the economic character of the commercial

area."

In his formal objection to the application, which was echoed by Cllr Khan, Cllr Harling said: "I am concerned about the proposal as it will alter the visual appearance of the street scene significantly.

"I appreciate that the site is tight for parking and this would improve the

situation, but I wonder if this is too much.

"The shape of the increase mean the impact is greater as it sticks out further on the Throstle Street end of the site – this will be visible along the

whole length of the site, but if it was reduced so it was a parallel strip this impact would be lessened."

The committee meets at Blackburn town hall on Thursday next week from 6.30pm.