THE first stage in knocking down a health centre and replacing it with luxury flats has been approved.

Plans were lodged in July proposing to demolish the former Montague Health Centre in Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn.

Home Wood Ltd proposes building 112 apartments in its place - 89 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom flats.

The building, which dates back to the late 1960s, was put up for sale through property consultants Trevor Dawson in November last year with a guide price of £500,000.

The centre closed in 2011 and was replaced by the £21m Barbara Castle Way Health Centre.

Now senior council planner Claire Booth has granted prior approval for the demolition aspect of the scheme, meaning the former health centre can be torn down.

A decision on whether the flats can be built is yet to be taken.

Demolition work is expected to begin within the next month and take about six weeks to complete.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: “The applicant has long standing roots within the community and has been a keen observer of the regeneration achieved by the council in recent times.

“The aspirational housing targets will continue that regeneration and wealth creation and further reinforce the cycle of improving neighbourhoods and increases in both retail and leisure/social offers.

“The creation of this development is seen as being somewhat ground breaking for Blackburn and it will provide a modern housing solution to the educated young talent within the borough.

"Such housing offers are currently only available in the larger conurbations of Manchester and Liverpool.

"The intention of the development is to provide a luxury living environment, within the vicinity of a desirable town centre for discerning professionals who value the ability to live, work and socialise in close proximity.

“The site, now vacant continues to deteriorate and will become an eye-sore in an otherwise pleasant location.

"The applicant identified Blackburn as an exciting opportunity for investment.

"The young population, successful council led regeneration of the town and the near total absence of similar luxury living accommodation of the type preferred by many young professionals all provide the perfect opportunity."