Apartment block scheme due to be approved

A scheme to demolish a former health centre in Blackburn and build a five-storey apartment block is due to move forward at a meeting this week.The Palm Tree Islamic School (former Montague Health Centre) in Oakenhurst Road is the subject of the application by Homewood Properties, which is seeking amendments.The original planning application was for the construction of a five-storey apartment block comprising 76 one and two-bedroom apartments, within a secured site. The building is to be operated by the applicant and a 24-hour concierge is to be available.The roof of the building is to accommodate a roof top garden area. Cycle parking and refuse storage would occupy part of the ground floor area together with service areas.Car parking would be provided to all four sides of the building. A total of 56 car parking spaces are proposed, including six bays for disabled drivers.The proposed amendments, the subject of the current application, involve changes to the internal layout, external construction materials and window arrangements.Recommending the development is granted planning permission subject to conditions, a council report published ahead of a meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee, said: “This application involves the implementation of various amendments to an approved development for a five-storey building containing 76 apartments.”Subject to appropriate conditions, the proposed development would be acceptable on all the relevant planning grounds.”