Owner bids to turn end terrace into two shops
PLANS to turn a vacant end-terraced property in a conservation area into two shops have been submitted.
Owner Fahad Arif has asked Hyndburn council for permission to fit shop fronts and security shutters to the premises at 17 to 19 Blackburn Road, Accrington.
The application site falls within the Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area.
A heritage statement with the proposal says the property consists of a typical end terrace property with a small frontage to Blackburn Road and a longer elevation to Bank Street.
It says: “The proposal seeks relatively minor external changes to maximise the efficient use of the site.
“These include: a replacement shop front to Blackburn Road; alterations at ground floor level to Bank Street introducing shopfront/glazing; and an additional first floor window on the side elevation.
“Bank Street on the eastern side contains a number of shopfronts. It is only the application site which has smaller window and door openings.
“The proposal, which would introduce a new shopfront and a glazed window as well as a separate entrance door to the first floor, would sit comfortably in the streetscene.
“Although the proposals are of a simpler form than other traditional shop frontages, it is considered this more modern proposal, that includes slender aluminium frame windows, would preserve the conservation area.
“Shutters to provide security are considered important and would be an open lattice-type that would provide some views into the property when closed.”
According to the applicant, it is considered that the proposals would satisfy the relevant test of preserving the character and significance of the conservation area.
“The proposal will result in public benefits by enabling the site to put to effective use - as two retail / commercial units as well as more efficient use of the first floor,” it added.