A new restaurant, coffee shop and commercial units will take up space along one of the busiest routes into Blackburn.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has approved plans for a new petrol station complex on the site on Whalley New Road, bringing the disused site back into productive use.

The land was formerly home to the East Lancashire Coachbuilders, and has been vacant and derelict for a number of years. It is located near to Perry's Blackburn as one heads towards Bastwell.

The first phase will include a restaurant, trade counters and light industrial and storage units. The second phase will see a petrol station, convenience store and coffee shop.

The new building will be set on three levels and will 'be a modern development introducing a modern striking building' on Whalley New Road.

The site will be developed by Oaklands London Property LTD property developers.

Asian Image:

The land has been derelict for many years (Google Street View)

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: "This is a much needed development on a site that has been derelict for some time, and it will create a significant number of jobs for people in the borough.

"It will also play a big part in the regeneration of the local area around Whalley New Road which is a major gateway into Blackburn and the town centre. The plans and designs look really impressive and I am looking forward to the development starting.”

Rafiq Mogra at Areeba Architecture Ltd which is overseeing the design, said: "We are excited to be part of this prominent project which will see the regeneration of this section of Whalley New Road.

"Our design focus has been on creating an active frontage along this busy road which can be enjoyed by everyone and will offer new business and employment opportunities.”

Cllr Hussain Akhtar, Ward Councillor for Shear Brow and Corporation Park, said: "I’m really pleased that a development is now planned for this site. Local residents have got used to looking at an overgrown piece of land and they will be very excited to see work start here.”