SHOPS last used as a tanning salon could be converted into homes.

A row of properties at 148-152 Blackburn Road in Accrington sold at auction for £88,000 in July.

And now a planning application has been submitted to Hyndburn Council proposing to split it into three new terraced homes.

Agent for the applicant, James Mulkerrin, said: “My client has recently purchased the building through an auction sale, the building in question is currently unoccupied and has been for some time.

“Its previous use I believe was a commercial sunbed shop at number 150.

“The building is mainly open plan now with good potential to split it up into three average sized two storey dwellings.

“The basement also offers generous space and would offer access to the rear yard as the building is split level from front to rear

“Access and parking to the rear was an option we wanted to consider; however, after further research my client only owns a small portion of the rear area which we will use for the rear yards for the dwellings.”

Mr Mulkerrin said none of the other properties on the terraced row have any parking facilities and it had previously been used as housing despite a lack of parking.

He added: “The existing use as commercial premises did not have parking facilities, and its previous use as a sunbed shop would have had many visitors throughout the day and evening who would have all had to find parking away from the site.

“Blackburn Road which is directly outside the front of the properties is a double yellowed road therefore no congestion or obstruction would be possible anyway.

“Blake Street to the rear offers some on street parking and is a quiet street. We would ask that this may be considered.”