STEPS have been taken to attract tenants to take over a shop in Blackburn town centre.

In August, it was reported shutters had been drawn at King BBQ, in King William Street, Blackburn, for several weeks.

A notice to customers stated the premises, which opened two doors down from McDonald's, had been temporarily closed ‘for personal circumstances’.

And a planning application, now withdrawn, was posted close to the shop, seeking permission for a new shopfront after the premises had officially opened.

It was later confirmed that the barbecue shop will no longer be operating out of the site.

Now a planning application seeking flexible use permission for the premises, as well as a proposal to install a shop window and door, has been approved by Blackburn with Darwen Council as owners seek to find tenants.

Assistant planner Adam Shaikh said: “The application site is currently vacant. The proposed flexible use is considered to support the adaptation of the building to such uses as may best support the premises in continuing in active use, and to allow a speedy change of use where a new business may not succeed.

“The proposal to include retail, financial, restaurant and drinking establishment uses in the scheme is considered acceptable in that all uses are compatible with a town centre location; and whilst all are not characteristics of a primary shopping front, it is considered that making a success of a town centre use in this location will support the vitality and viability of King William Street, enhancing its offer and attractiveness.

“The application site was used as a hot-food takeaway. Planning permission for this and alteration to the shop front was never granted and therefore the use and alteration to the shop front is unauthorised.

“The current shop is open fronted comprising with a perforated roller shutter and shutter box.

“The proposal seeks to replace the shop front with a single entrance door and traditional shop windows.”

Fifteen jobs were originally created when wholesale food importer Dan Flannagan decided to launch his first East Lancashire venture in February.

He had already made a success of running two fish and chip shops in Preston and was opening a similar establishment in Rochdale.

Before the grand opening, the ground floor had been treated to a complete refurbishment and refitted with a host of fryers and display cabinets.

The loss of King BBQ was not the first food venture to hit tough times in Blackburn in 2019. Hugo Burritos, on Northgate, also had to call it a day, after failing to successfully make the switch from Blackburn Market to the high street.