A former town centre pub which unexpectedly closed last year is to become a shop and apartments.

Nelson-based Zakir Khan, of Oakwood Investment Mcr Ltd, applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council to convert the former Dun Horse pub in Market Street Lane, into a ground floor convenience store and four self-contained flats in its upper floors.

The changes to the building also involve its part demolition to the rear and the erection of new fire escape stairway with new pitched lean-to roof.

The Dun Horse hosted the return of a famous indie night called C'est La Vie in July last year after the pub was taken over by new managers.

However, the establishment closed later that year with no details given as to why. 

MORE: C'est La Vie indie music night returns to Blackburn after 25 years

The plans propose changing the ground floor of the existing licensed premises to become a convenience store with no access to the upper levels; the basement cellar becoming a storeroom for the shop; the first floor being converted into two one bed studio flats and the second floor being turned into two one bed studio flats.

A heritage statement submitted with the application says: "The application site was constructed circa 1849 to 1890 and lies within the Cathedral Conservation area.

"The Cathedral Conservation area is dominated by the Church of St Mary the Virgin and includes approximately 60 buildings, some of which are listed with others not listed but historically architecturally significant.

"The application site is not listed but falls within the category of historically architecturally significant.

“The application site is located in Market Street Lane and takes up a prominent position being located at the corner of Market Street Lane and a side alleyway.

"It is a three-storey red brick building with ashlar red gritstone dressings and gives considerable character to the street scene.

"Ashlar gritstone stringcourses run between floor levels, whilst a gritstone cornice defines the roofline.

"Large segmental arched windows are located at ground floor level whilst rectangular sash windows punctuate the second and third storeys.

"Entry into the building is via an angled corner bay which is surmounted by a decorative pediment.

"We cannot categorically state when the application site became a public house but in 1848 it was noted as being a relieving officers' office.

"When viewed form Market Street Lane and Mincing lane the proposals will not affect the external appearance of the application site.

"All works are proposed either internally and to the rear which can only be viewed when private areas such as the rear yard which is shared by the surrounding buildings."

No objections were raised in relation to the plans and a decision notice from Blackburn with Darwen Council stated: “The proposal would secure a viable use for the ground floor, which is consistent with town centre policies.

“The utilisation of the first and second floors of the building will support the proposed business (retail) use operating at ground floor.

“The use of all three storeys of the building will therefore ensure the fabric of this visually important building in the conservation area is maintained in the medium to long-term and is thus a great benefit.

“This benefit is considered to outweigh the harm to the rear elevation of the building by the presence of a covered steel staircase and associated alteration of the rear elevation.”

The plans were approved on August 31.