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Search the Public Notice PortalA Blackburn optician’s surgery, once earmarked for a new ladies' Asian clothing shop, now looks set to become a high-end café.
In April, Sajid Hussain, who owns a nearby property, was given approval for the refurbishment of 261 Whalley Range, Bastwell.
He said the alterations were needed to turn the premises into a ladies' Asian clothing shop.
But now Mrs Debra Mallik has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for a Certificate of Lawfulness to convert the building into a coffee and dessert bar instead.
The proposed menu includes items such as Avocado Toast, pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and Salmon Bruschetta, as well as full English breakfasts and flatbreads.
The hot drinks on offer would include Vanilla Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Hazelnut Cappuccino and black, green or white tea with jasmine or hibiscus flavour.
A supporting statement submitted with the application says: “The premises operated as an Optician's for the last 25 years, until its closure in 2023.
“The property has recently undergone major extension and refurbishment works.
“The proposal is to change the use ... selling a large variety of desserts, cakes, milk shakes, cold and hot drinks,
“The premises will provide seating at both ground and partial first floor for patrons to consume the ordered refreshment on the premises; the remainder of the first floor will be used for general storage and staff use.
“The business will be operated by the applicant with two assistants.
“The business will operate between 8am and 11pm hrs.”
A planning officer’s report recommending the original approval in April said: “The application site comprises a vacant opticians close to the corner of Whalley Range and Whalley New Road, and fronting an extremely busy highway close to the signalised junction (crossroads), within the Bastwell District Centre.
“For clarity, no change of use is applied for. The use of the premises will remain as a retail shop.
“The proposal would also bring the formerly vacant unit back into active use, bringing with it associated social, economic and environmental benefits.
“The works to the ground-floor front window would be in keeping with the host property and its setting within the district centre.
“In summary, all the proposed external alterations would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the host property and street scene, in keeping with the local context.”
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