Blackburn plan for dessert drive-thru on edge of town centre

The proposal would regenerate the BW Motor Group Garage Site in Brookhouse Lane on the outskirts of Blackburn town centre.

Naz Shah of the Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd has submitted a planning application for the proposal to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

In a supporting statement, she says: “The application site comprises the former ‘BW Motor Group’ site, which has been in use for the display/sale of motor vehicles since 2015.

“The site is vacant, and the applicant seeks to put it to effective use, one that promotes consumer choice in the locality, results in urban regeneration, and create jobs for local people.

“It is intended that the site will accommodate a dessert-focused eatery with a drive-thru.

“The proposed development concept would be a first of its kind in East Lancashire, to be operated by a successful brand already operating in other parts of the country, with further UK-wide expansion plans in the pipeline.

“The proposed menu would feature an array of sundaes, milkshakes, and Belgian waffles, alongside speciality items like Milk Chocolate Cookie Dough and a selection of mocktails.

“The proposed concept will draw both daytime and evening customers with its varied sweet treats.

“The site comprises a single-storey structure set within a generous amount of hardstanding.

“The proposed operating hours are Monday to Friday, 4pm to 1am, and Saturday to Sunday, 12pm to 1am.

“The drive-thru is an essential element of the proposal, and so a future site will need to be of suitable dimensions to enable a drive-thru lane, servicing arrangements and off-street parking.

“Internally, the space should provide for an open plan seating area.

“There are no available or suitable sites within the two nearest centres (Bastwell and Whalley Range) that could accommodate the development proposal.

“The application site has long operated as a commercial use (car sales) and is within a mixed-use setting, adjacent to a former mill complex of different commercial uses.

“The comings and goings associated with the proposed use would be indistinguishable from the already higher-than-average levels of activity seen in the locality.

“The site benefits from a large car park, and so there would be no ‘intensity’ in the use of on-street parking to the detriment of nearby occupants.

“The application premises will be notably enhanced and modernised, including the existing dated structure on site.

“The proposals will bring to fruition much-needed urban regeneration to the site, of benefit to the street scene and the wider area.”