DEVELOPERS have changed their plans to breathe new life into a well-known former nightclub.

Building work has been ongoing at the old Jazzy Kex nightclub, in Regent Street, which has planning permission to be converted into a restaurant and café, since October.

Last year, architect Younus Khan, based on nearby Victoria Street, submitted a variation on the plans, which would see a large self-contained two-bedroom flat take up the entire top floor.

But now it is proposed to convert the entire building into office space.

Applicants the Woodstead Company say they hope the new proposal would help create 21 full time and two part time jobs if approved.

There will also be 15 parking spaces included as part of the development if permission is granted.

Four one and two bedroom apartments were originally set to be created on the first and second floors, above the eatery, alongside a first floor extension.

Those plans had been welcomed by Cllr Shaukat Hussan, who represents Bastwell and Daisyfield ward and is also executive member for neighbourhood and prevention services for Blackburn with Darwen Council.

He said: "If someone is willing to invest in this building and bring it back into use then this must be a good thing for Blackburn.

"And if it contributes to what we are attempting to achieve in the town centre, with regeneration, then it's something I would certainly welcome."

Neighbours of the original development had expressed concerns that the venture would generate parking and traffic problems on Regent Street.

Objectors noted that the entrance to the old nightclub was on the St James Street side of the building, amid worries that cars would take up limited parking spaces outside.

But Cllr Suleman Khonat, addressing a previous planning committee, said he was satisfied that the 14 parking spaces drawn up by the scheme's architects would meet any outstanding concerns.

Jazzy Kex was once one of several town centre nightspots, most of which have now fallen by the wayside.

Clubbers flocked to Blackburn in the 90s from around the north west. with Peppermint Place, in the old Lord Square, and Millennium, on Cicely Lane, both now gone.

And Switch club in St Peter Street, Blackburn, formerly known as Liquid and Envy, closed its doors in October last year.

Bosses took the decision to close the venue, due to a fall in trade.