A new laundrette is to move into the site of a former Lancashire opticians
A former opticians in a Lancashire town centre is set to become a laundrette.
Darwen town centre is to get a new laundrette.
It will replace the closed Worden Optician at 185 Duckworth Street.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted Mrs Shnyar Hassan Mohammed planning permission for the change with four conditions.
They include the installation of noise insulation and restricted opening hours of 8am to 9.30pm, Monday to Sunday.
A planning officer’s report says: “The application site relates to a terraced property positioned on the north-eastern side of Duckworth Street, and within Darwen town centre.
“It comprises of a ground floor unit previously used as an opticians, albeit currently vacant.
“Above the shop is a residential flat. The site lies within the Darwen Town Centre conservation area.
“No external alterations are proposed, although the proposal does involve the installation of an internally mounted roller shutter to the shop front.
“The proposed laundrette use is considered an appropriate use to support the vitality and viability of Darwen town centre.
“The proposal would also bring a currently vacant property back into active use, which weighs heavily in favour.
“Accordingly, the principle of the proposed change of use is acceptable and would be consistent with the character of the area.
“The proposed change of use will result in the existing shop at ground floor changing to a laundrette which has the potential to cause increased noise impacts through the associated equipment and ventilation system
“Given the previous use as a opticians and neighbouring commercial uses in the area (including takeaways and restaurants) it is not considered that the comings and goings of customers are likely to result in material harm to residential amenity, in terms of noise and disturbance.
“The council’s heritage consultee provides the following comments: ‘The property is currently vacant. The proposed change of use to a laundrette would be acceptable in principle, as the ground floor has historically been in commercial use and retains an active shopfront.’
“Whilst it is acknowledged that internal shutters may be visible when in use, they do not disrupt the external proportions or detailing of the frontage.
“For these reasons the proposal, which includes the installation of an internal roller shutter, would not result in any discernible harm to the character or appearance of the Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area.
“The proposal will not provide any off-street parking spaces. However, at present the site does not provide off street parking for customers or staff.
“The traffic generated by the proposed use is unlikely to be any greater than which can be caused by the existing opticians use.”