AN ‘unsightly land parcel’ close to Blackburn’s Whalley Range Bazaar could be transformed into a smart modern block of four flats.

Mohzam Ali has applied for planning permission for the development on Baywood Street, Bastwell.

It has been welcomed by local councillor Iftakhar Hussain and Tory regeneration spokesman Cllr Derek Hardman.

Earlier plans for ground-floor offices have been dropped for the two and three-storey block with living accommodation in the roof space.

A design statement by Areeba Architecture Ltd says: “The site historically was a block of terraced houses, which were derelict in the 80s and 90s and later demolished leaving the site in disuse. All the apartments have two bedrooms and allocated car parking spaces with access to the rear garden.

“Redevelopment would act as a catalyst to regenerate the site, enhancing the locality through removal of an unsightly land parcel, and a residential scheme of significant aesthetic merit.

“The main principle of the proposed development is to provide high-quality residential apartments.

“The proposal is considered to be in sympathetic scale to the setting of the area.

“The locality is characterised by a variety of housing types - semi-detached dwellings along Oak Street, tightly-packed terraced dwellings along Troy Street, detached and semi-detached dwellings on Baywood Street.

"The design comprises red-facing brick with stone details, tall well-proportioned windows, projecting bays and pitched roofs with gable features and low eaves.”

Bastwell and Daisyfield ward’s Cllr Hussain said: “It’s a good idea to have investment which will make the area better.”

Cllr Hardman said: “I am pleased to see a desire to invest in the inner area of Blackburn surrounding the town centre.”