A VACANT bank is to be turned into a ‘high end’ glass-fronted restaurant and takeaway.

Dhanish Ali has been given planning permission to convert the former Lloyds TSB branch at 98 Whalley New Road, Blackburn, into an eaterie.

He is now looking for a ‘high end client’ to take over the two-storey corner premises.

The approval by Blackburn with Darwen planners has been welcomed by Bastwell and Daisyfield ward’s Cllr Iftakhar Hussain.

He said the approval would provide another business for the ‘thriving Whalley Range commercial hub’.

Mr Ali said: “Following a difficult period we are delighted to present this wonderful opportunity to revitalise and bolster further life to the area, provide vital job opportunities and target a mixed clientele.

“Our architectural designers worked with us closely, producing a simple but elegant design: a largely glass-fronted build to provide a contemporary look whilst ensuring it moulded with existing properties.

“There is great scope for a restaurant in Blackburn to offer different types of food to that already available, and we shall carefully select a tenant whom we hope shall be an asset to the town.”

Cllr Hussain said: “There was a lot of disappointment when the bank closed. I welcome this approval. It will stop the premises becoming empty and bring another business to the area.

“A thriving Whalley Range commercial hub might even attract the banks back.”

The permission has 11 conditions including that ‘the premises shall be used predominantly as a restaurant’.

They specify that while the restaurant can operate between 10am to 10pm seven days a week the takeaway cannot operate between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during school terms.

A report by planning officer Tom Wiggans says: “The roof space would also be utilised for additional restaurant floorspace.

“The end user is not yet known, but a high end client is sought, with a focus on good food and restaurant dining rather than ancillary sales from the takeaway.

“A stand-out building on this gateway route would provide an uplift to the area.”