A TAXI boss is seeking to turn a second floor unit in a prominent building in a town centre conservation area into an booking office for his firm.

Malik Hassan of Rawal Private Hire has applied for planning permission to use Unit 22 of Kensington Place in Simmons Street, Blackburn, for his business.

A supporting heritage statement to Blackburn with Darwen Council says: "Number Two Simmons’ Street forms part of Kensington Place, a late 19th century building constructed from red brick with stone detailing and a slate roof.

"The building is Gothic in style and the red brick and buff stone, two pointed arches to the first floor of the elevation fronting New Preston Road are referred to as Venetian or Ruskin arches.

"The rounded corner topped with a conical tower gives the building its prominence in the streetscape and a focal point for Sudell Cross.

"The property is located to the northwest of Northgate Conservation Area.

The current permitted use is as a barber’s shop. The change will not have an adverse or negative impact to the character or appearance of the building."