AN expanding Blackburn upholstery business wants to add a new unit to its workshop creating new jobs.

Yahya Patel wants to build it next to his existing Auto Seat Covers premises on Percliff Way on the Glenfield Industrial Estate in Whitebirk.

He has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission to build the storage unit on vacant land.

A Design and Access statement submitted to officials says: "The new unit will provide a dedicated space for the manufacturing of upholstered seating complimenting the current business operation.

"The units elevations will be part facing brick and composite metal cladding.

"There will be a office upon arrival that then leads to WC facilities that include a separate disabled toilet area. To the rear of this is a brew area for staff to use.

"The unit workshop area will be approximately 80 square metres.

"The unit will be accessed by roller shutters to the front.

"Bringing the redundant piece of land that is currently occupied by a metal storage container into use would create employment opportunities for local residents.

"In terms of additional noise generated as a result of the proposal, this is considered to be minimal given the proposed storage use.

"The site is accessible by car via Philips Road located close to the A6119. The site is within walking distance from bus route no. 6 and 7.

The site is currently vacant and upon a walk round it is apparent that there are no nesting birds or bats.

"The units will bring more staff to the area, which in turn will have a positive financial impact on the surrounding businesses.

"The proposal seeks the erection of a new unit within an existing compound comprising of units of similar scale and design. The unit would be used for storage of goods (upholstery).

"The existing successful business has outgrown its current space and the proposal would allow much needed space to help continue the business to grow."