REFURBISHING the third and fourth floors of Blackburn Town Hall will help the council save money when its office tower block shuts, a planning chief claimed.

Cllr Dave Smith, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee, said he was disappointed people had criticised the council over spending on the scheme because it would mean offices would be available for staff who have to move when the tower block, next to the town hall, is vacated.

The scheme was approved by members at a committee meeting and now work can begin.

A planning application was submitted earlier this year laying out detailed proposals to renovate the third and fourth floors of the 19th century listed building, which doubles as the main offices for the local authority. The scheme will restore a large room on the fourth floor with a barrel vault ceiling, the original function of which is not currently known.

Both the floors will be sensitively redecorated and fitted out as a modern workplace.

Cllr Smith said: “I’m disappointed at some of the comments from people saying we are spending on ourselves.

When the tower block shuts, people will be able to move across from there onto the third and fourth floors. By shutting the tower block we are saving money.”

Planning manager Gavin Prescott told members Historic England had not objected to the proposals. A report to go before the committee had recommended approval for the work.

Growth Lancashire heritage and conservation officer, David Morris, said: “The character of the offices has not been well conserved in the past.

"Nevertheless, they are part of a grade II listed heritage asset and part of the overall significance of the listed building."