A SET of offices in a conservation are is to be turned back into a home.

The empty nineteenth century property in St Andrews Street, Blackburn is earmarked to become a three-bedroomed house.

Ilyas Patel has been given planning permission for the change.

The building lies within the Corporation Park Conservation Area.

It is the former home of the Lancashire Textile Manufacturers Association which folded earlier this year.

A report by Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officer Jamie Edwards recommending approval says: "The premises are currently vacant, but were previously used as office space.

"Planning permission is sought to change the use from offices to a residential dwelling comprising three bedrooms.

"No external alterations are proposed and therefore works will solely involve the associated interior alterations of the existing office space to form habitable rooms.

"Nine neighbours were consulted by letter and no comments were received.

"The proposal building is situated in a sustainable location within a short walking distance to Blackburn town centre and close to other services and facilities i.e. schools and medical buildings.

"The proposal is for a change of use from its previous commercial function to a three-bedroomed dwelling with a kitchen, dining and lounge areas.

"It is therefore consistent with securing a good supply of high quality family housing.

"The proposal does not include any extension of the premises.

"Furthermore, the proposal poses no harm in terms of privacy for both future users of the development and nearby occupiers given its relationship with surrounding buildings.

"The co-existence of dwellings alongside offices is considered to be an acceptable mix of uses in that any noise impact from surrounding offices will be minimal."

A heritage statement submitted with the application says: "This portion of the Conservation Area comprises two storey red brick nineteenth century terraces.

"There is a more urban character to this section of the conservation area, plots are narrow with small front areas or buildings fronting directly onto the footway.

"Property styles have classical references with stone dressings and columned entrances.

"Many of the properties have been converted to offices.

"Our intention is to merely change the use from previous offices to a residential dwelling consistent with other properties which have been converted to dwelling houses along this street,

"The proposal represents a material benefit in that it would secure the future use of the building.

"Conservation area status is not intended to stifle new development nor preserve areas as museum pieces."