OFFICES above a Blackburn hairdressers could be turned into town centre flats.

Proposals have been lodged to Blackburn with Darwen Council to convert the offices on Railway Road next to Morrisons into eight flats.

Developers KC Homes Ltd say no external alterations are proposed as part of the development.

If approved, the offices above The Head Shed would be turned into a mix of one and two-bedroom flats.

Lukman Vika, of agent Watson Saunders Associates, said: “The application site is located within close proximity to Blackburn town centre, which contains a variety of shops, services and public transport facilities.

“It is close to the railway station which provides access to York, Manchester Victoria and Blackpool North.

“The bus interchange is located within walking distance of the site and provides regular and direct access to Burnley, Preston city centre and Darwen.

“As such the site is highly accessible and future residents would have access to alternative means of transport over and above a private vehicle.

“In light of the above, the proposals are considered acceptable in respect of transport and highways.

“The Adelphi pub away from the application address on Railway Road has been closed, and although the property’s owners are advertising for new tenants, it remains closed.

“As such the future of the use of the property remains uncertain.

“In light of the above, there are no existing neighbouring commercial premises which would be an adverse source of noise.

“In the event that noise mitigation is required, that could be incorporated into the design of the apartments as appropriate and potentially subject to a suitably worded planning condition.”

Last year, Doncaster-based Empire Property Concepts completed work converting the old Lancashire Telegraph offices on Railway Road into flats.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley described at the time as a “game-changer” for the town centre.

He said: “I’m really excited about the prospect of the introduction of some town centre living. It will change the way people see Blackburn and the town centre.”