THE owners of Darwen Furniture and Gifts in Bolton Road, Darwen, will transform the former stables at the old building into a new cafe.

Catherine and Michael Almond transformed the former Bowling Green pub into a shop with cafe 18 months ago.

And they have been granted planning permission to move the cafe from its current position into the old stable block, while the existing space used as a cafe will be reverted to shop space.

The old hay loft, which had been used as part of the shop, will be removed to form a new floor for additional seating, while a kitchen and unisex disabled toilet will be added on the groundfloor.

A new staircase will link the first and ground floors and emergency exits will be installed.