PLANS have been lodged to convert the final part of the old Lancashire Telegraph site into flats.

Doncaster-based Empire Property Concepts has now submitted an application to Blackburn with Darwen Council proposing to convert the old printing press and warehouse into a further 13 flats.

Empire has already spent £2.6 million converting the main building into 74 flats.

The building is opposite the £34m landmark Cathedral Square complex.

It was sold for £850,000 to Empire in 2017 whose bosses hope the location next to the railway station will make the development attractive for people commuting out of town as well as for those who work in Blackburn.

The remaining flats will be one-bedroom for private sale or rental aimed at young working professionals.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: “Prior approval was granted in 2018 for the change of use of the former office block in Newspaper House to 74 residential apartments.

“This application seeks to utilise the redundant warehouse and increase the residential offer in Newspaper House by converting the ground floor warehouse into 13 apartments.

“Due to the location of the site, the development proposal would not prejudice any neighbouring properties or the character of the surrounding area.

“The conversion of the warehouse can be achieved with minimal external alternations, meaning the proposal will not significantly change the fabric of the building. The proposal is for a car-free development in line with the rest of Newspaper House. The scheme will make best use of a site that will make a valuable contribution to housing in Blackburn town centre. The delivery of the scheme will help support the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre.

“The proposed warehouse development has been brought forward to address the area’s need for housing.”