A LOCAL authority has given backdated approval for the transformation of a former slaughterhouse into a car breakers.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted retrospective planning permission for the conversion of the abattoir premises between Feniscliffe and Mill Hill.

Atif Ali of VRSH Ltd had applied to regularise the change of use of the Blackburn site.

He was given permission with a condition restricting its use to between 8am and 6pm Mondays to Fridays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays with no operations on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

A planning officer's report said: "The proposal relates to an existing commercial premises positioned to the south of Bonsall Street.

"The unit has previously been used by a slaughterhouse and food packaging business.

"Retrospective approval is sought for the use of the premises as a car breakers, incorporating storage and ancillary office uses. 30 neighbours were consulted by letter and a site notice displayed. No representations have been received.

"The area is of mixed character, with the area to the west, south and east containing commercial uses, whilst to the north are residential terraces fronting Bonsall Street.

"The use has been ongoing for a considerable period and no amenity based concerns have been raised during the consultation period, or through any separate channels, such as statutory noise nuisance complaints.

"The head of public protection has offered no objection to the application subject an hours of use restriction limiting use to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 4pm Saturdays; and no work on Sundays or Bank Holidays."

The approval also says 'the development shall be carried out in complete accordance with the proposals as detailed' and 'applicant should ensure the premises have adequate sound insulation to minimise the transmission of sound to adjacent dwellings'.