PLANS have been submitted to turn two shops and flats in a town centre conservation area into seven apartments.

Shamila Akhtar wants to convert the premises at 4 to 8 Dutton Street , Accrington.

She has asked Hyndburn Council for planning permission to create six one-bedroomed flats and a seventh apartment with two bedrooms.

Documents submitted with her application say: "The existing building on site is utilitarian in design and overall appearance.

"It is a two-storey building with a slate dual pitched roof to the rear.

"It is a detached property sat in an area of commercial premises and flats.

"Currently the ground floor is used as a retail area with the first floor consists of two self-contained flats.

"The scale of the development is compatible with the surrounding area. There would be no major external changes to the property or extending the footprint.

"New external windows and doors which are to be installed will be UPVC . The existing chimney stacks are to be removed to maximise the internal floor area

"The ground floor area will consist of four one-bedroom flats. The first-floor area will consist of three flats with two being one-bedroom and flat seven to consist of two bedrooms.

"All materials to be used will match the existing appearance of the property and the surrounding area.

"The property is located within the Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area. With the that in mind it is considered appropriate to make changes in keeping with the street design to the front façade of the building and in that respect all of the proposed works will not look out of character in this area.

"The proposal will have a positive impact on the vitality and viability of this local area.

"The development will be of a high standard and the developer is looking to work towards a long-term rental."