PLANS to breathe new life into a well-known former nightclub have been approved.

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 late last year, a new application proposing to convert the entire building into office space was lodged with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

And now planning bosses have approved the development using delegated powers.

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

There will also be 15 parking spaces included as part of the development.

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.

Approving the proposals, council planning officer Nick Blackledge, said: “The application site is the former Jazzy Kex nightclub, located to the south of Regent Street, within the Richmond Terrace conservation area of Blackburn town centre. The building has been empty for circa six years.

“Since it was last in use, a series of planning applications have been approved, including change of use of the ground floor into a restaurant and café, with external alterations, change of use of ground floor to café and upper floor to flats with first and second floor rear extension and an amendment thereto to allow removal of the second floor extension.

“Ten neighbours were consulted by letter and two site notices were displayed. No comments were received.

“Alterations proposed are modest, including renewal of existing openings to the front of the building and a reduction of openings to those previously approved to the rear of the building.

“UPVC frames are proposed for the window openings which, although, a departure from the traditional existing timber windows, are considered acceptable given the extent of their use in neighbouring buildings.

“The rear elevation of the building will be appropriately rendered.

“Overall the design proposals involved are considered to enhance the visual appearance of the building and the wider conservation area.”

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

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.

New nightclub Code has recently reopened at the former home of Switch, St Peter Street.