THE ground floor of a Blackburn terraced home is to be turned into a ladies designer wear shop despite neighbours concerns over parking and road safety.

Mohammed Fakir Hussain has been granted planning permission for the change at the house in Audley Range.

He plans to operate the new retail business with his wife.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has approved his proposal with five conditions.

They include restricting opening hours to 10am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The conversion includes the insertion of a new shop front and first floor window.

A report recommending approval by planning officer Adam Shaikh says: "The application relates to a mid-terrace, two storey residential dwelling located on the south side of Audley Range, Blackburn.

"The property is within a designated district centre and set in between commercial and residential properties.

"The proposed change of use will accommodate a ladies designer wear and the area of the change of use is limited to a 31 square metre shop whilst the first floor will remain as ancillary residential.

"The application also seeks the insertion of a new shop façade and security shutters to the ground floor front.

"Works included in the new shop front will entail a shop window and new door opening to the left.

"The existing front door will be retained to provide a dedicated access to the first floor.

"Two letters of objections were received citing highway safety concerns, no safe parking available, bad driving and excessive parking during madrassah times, existing vacant retail units within close proximity that should be utilised and that the proposal should be considered town centre activity.

"The proposed retail floor space is very modest.

"The site lies in the middle of a terrace surrounded by commercial uses. The proposal is considered appropriate "It is noted that the immediate locality is characterised by a wide variety of shop frontage design.

"Given the commercial character of the immediate area, the proposed shop front would not be out of keeping.

"Whilst the proposal may result in additional vehicular activity by customers attending by car, it is not considered significantly harmful enough that would warrant refusing the application.

"Furthermore the nature of the use would be likely to promote use by local residents, many of whom would be likely to arrive by foot.

"Whilst there may be vacant units within close proximity, it is important to point out the proposal would support and enhance the existing local centre."