New vision revealed for former Oaklands Hotel on busy road into Blackburn town centre
A former hotel on one of the busiest roads into Blackburn town centre can be turned into apartments.
Amir Mohammed has been granted planning permission to convert the former Oaklands Hotel at 100 and 102 Preston New Road, Wensley Fold into seven self-contained flats.
The large, detached property on the corner of Adelaide Terrace has been empty for a number of years and a previous proposal is to change it into a family home was never followed up.
Once converted, the hotel, which has a small car park, will instead contain three one bed, two three bed and two two bed flats.
A planning officer’s report recommending approval by Blackburn with Darwen Council with four conditions says: “The application site relates to 100 to102 Preston New Road which are substantially sized properties located on the northern side.
“The application site is also located within the Corporation Park Conservation Area.
“Planning permission was granted in 2023 for the change of use from hotel to dwellinghouse however it appears that this conversion never took place and therefore the property remains within the hotel use.
“Policy sets out the council’s intention to deliver 447 net new dwellings per annum over the plan period 2021 to 2037.
“This identified need for dwellings serves to partially address the public objection relating to demonstrating need for new residential units in this location.
“The proposed development is located in an accessible and sustainable location and close to amenities and sustainable transport.
“Furthermore, the sub-division into self-contained flats will widen the choice of housing types in the immediate area.
“As the external appearance form, and massing of the building will remain unchanged, the proposal will likely have no impact on the established character, significance, or townscape contribution of the property within the conservation area.
“The building will continue to maintain its existing frontage and appearance, which contributes to the wider heritage significance of Preston New Road as identified within the Corporation Park Conservation Area Appraisal.
“The submission offers eight car parking spaces. Whilst three car spaces short of the desirable number of spaces for this development, there is sufficient on street parking along the property’s curtilage to accommodate the shortfall.
“The applicant proposes to utilise the existing hotel access point from Adelaide Terrace. This is not in an ideal location being so close to the junction of Adelaide Terrace with Preston New Road, however it has operated at this location for a considerable number of years with no reported issues. It is therefore deemed acceptable.”