PLANS to bring a former town centre pub back to life as a Best Western hotel and steakhouse restaurant have been passed.

Proposals were submitted to convert the old Stage Door pub in Mincing Lane, Blackburn, into a 16-room hotel back in February.

Developers say the hotel would help create 30 full-time jobs.

They say the site appeals to the Best Western franchise as it is an attractive building which can benefit from a high-quality conversion scheme, is reachable on foot from the town’s train and bus stations and is well connected to the town centre.

The ground-floor restaurant would be open to guests and the public.

Best Western’s involvement with the development had been subject to planning permission being granted.

Now borough planners have granted planning permission and work to convert the pub into a hotel can begin.

Principal planning officer Martin Kenny said: “It is considered that the development is located within a highly sustainable location being within close proximity to train and bus terminus.

“Additionally, on-street parking and town centre car parks spaces are available to meet the needs of the development.

“These factors provide sufficient justification for allowing the relaxation of parking standards.

Mr Kenny added a number of changes had been made to initial plans to meet planning requirements due to the building’s location in the Cathedral Conservation Area.

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Farooq Rafiq, of Inspire Planning Solutions, said: “The applicant confirms the proposed hotel provider is likely to be the Best Western Franchise having held extensive discussions with the chain, with the target market for the visitor accommodation to be in the mid-range, providing good quality visitor accommodation, furnished to a high standard and with a spacious, modern finish.

“The ground floor dining establishment – intended for a steakhouse - would be open to both hotel guests and the general public.”

Speaking when the plans were first lodged, borough regeneration boss, Cllr Phil Riley, said the development would represent a substantial investment in the town centre.

He added: “We are really delighted. It is a well-known brand and all the evidence suggests that there is room for another hotel. Premier Inn in Cathedral Square does very well – it is full a lot of the time."