A disused former engine shed and railway sidings is set to be given approval become a job-creating commercial estate.

The three-acre site off Hollins Grove Street in Darwen has been earmarked for 11 light industrial units across three new buildings.

Nassima Mogra, of Hollins Park Ltd, has applied for planning permission for the scheme and already has prospective tenants lined up.

It is on vacant land with existing planning approval for 37 homes.

The application will be debated by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee on Thursday night.

It has been recommended for approval with 22 conditions.

A report by planning officer Tom Wiggans reveals an objection was received from a local resident, but this was retracted following the submission of a revised landscaping plan which showed screening between the site and the rear of residential properties at the southern end of the site.

His report reads: "The application site comprises two parts; north and south.

"The whole site has been cleared, having been vacant for a considerable amount of time.

"However, the northern part is presently being developed for industrial use.

"This proposal seeks to utilise the existing access at the northern end of the site, and extend the industrial use into the southern part which presently benefits from full permission for residential use for 37 dwellings.

"However, the residential use has not come forward and has recently been demonstrated as unviable.

"With prospective tenants already lined up for the proposed new industrial units, this is an opportunity to bring forward a viable development and regenerate the site.

"The proposal would see a notable employment development which would be a natural extension to the industrial units presently being constructed in the northern half of the site.

"The proposal will deliver a high-quality scheme that will assist in meeting the council’s strategic aims, including economic growth, as well as regeneration benefits from bringing this prominent and strategically located site into active use with a viable development.

"The use will be restricted to 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays).

"The landscaping will visually enhance the site and the local area, and create a new green space to the north east of the site with a welcoming entrance and associated biodiversity enhancement."