Blackburn bakery mill move approved

A thriving Blackburn bakery business’s move into a 171-year-old mill building to expand and create new jobs has been given the go-ahead.

The Moorings Bakery Ltd is currently based in Moorings Close, Lower Darwen.

It has now been given planning permission to take over Unit 6 of Waterfall Mill in Queen Victoria Street, Mill Hill.

It can now convert the unit, currently a plumbing showroom, for food preparation and a shop.

The bakery proposed to increase its workforce of 20 staff and renovate the vacant premises to prevent them falling into disrepair.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has approved its application for a change of use to food preparation and food retail area with four conditions.

A report by planning officer Adam Shaikh says: “The application site relates to a large mill lying to the northeast side of Queen Victoria Street within the urban boundary of Blackburn.

“The unit has been in most recent use as a gas appliances/fire surrounds and bathroom showroom with storage/distribution and warehouse linked to the business also in operation from the unit.

“Planning permission is sought for change of use to food prep and food retail area, erection of single storey extension to rear with access ramp, insertion of balcony within rear roof space, installation of solar panels to the main/front roof space, and external fenestration alterations to windows and door openings.

“The proposed operation would retain the site for primarily for employment with minor ancillary retail use.

“The introduction of jobs would support economic growth.

“Further, the application unit is currently vacant; the introduction of a new use is considered to bring the unit back to an acceptable use.

“On this basis it is considered that the proposal would have a positive impact on the area.

“The introduction of the solar panel to the main roof scape would cover the majority of the roof.

“The roof is not readily visible from the roadside and the solar panels would be screened by the existing parapet style detail/stone coping above the fascia.”

A supporting statement submitted with the application said: “The applicant has already got a well-established company and is moving to this new site to allow for expansion.

“This will ensure the prolonged use of the building ensuring it will not fall into disrepair.

“The business already employs 20 staff and they will look to expand the workforce.”