THE owner of a semi-detached home has applied for permission to turn it into a house of multiple occupation.

Amjad Khan wants to add two extensions and covert the attic to create new bedsit rooms at the 'two up, two down' property in Carluke Street, Blackburn.

He believes that the change will help ' those in need of accommodation but cannot afford to rent a property of their own'.

Mr Khan has submitted a planning application for the change of use of the property off Accrington Road in Intack to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The house, Number 20 Carluke Street, currently has a small dwarf-walled front yard and long rear yard as garden space.

Local councillor Pat McFall has expressed concern about the proposal's suitability for the neighbourhood.

A Design and Access statement by Hussain Architecture Ltd of Burnley to accompany the Mr Khan's application says: "In order to maximise the potential of the building, it is proposed that a double storey and part single storey extension to the rear will help to increase the number of bedrooms and expand the shared living and kitchen spaces.

"An attic conversion and extended roof over the new double storey extension will also help to create useable space at this level for additional bedrooms and shower room spaces.

"The area has a mix of residential and commercial properties. Number 20 has a residential house attached and more houses to the south and east. To the north there are mixed industrial garage and warehouse premises and commercial offices.

"Due to the proposed extension, the attic is also to be used as habitable space and the existing roof extended over the new extension to utilise this space. The front elevation is not to be changed so the existing street scene will remain.

"Another room is proposed at the far end of the site which will only be single storey. This will have its own access but still have a door into the shared communal spaces.

"This room has potential to be used as a base for a property manager or caretaker, as the HMO use would attract a variety of habitants that may need specialised care or 24-hour monitoring.

"The proposed HMO will need licensing with a competent manager employed and a management plan in place. Only then will the property be ready for occupation."

Little Harwood and Whitebirk ward's Cllr McFall said: "It is not a heavily residential street.

"I will need to look carefully at this application.

"I am not a fan of HMOs to be honest. There is no doubt that I will need reassurances that this proposal is suitable for the area."