A CIVIL engineering firm has been given permission to move from Blackburn to Darwen despite fears over traffic and noise.

PHG Contracting of Albert Street in Mill Hill will now base its operations at Perseverance Mill, in Industry Street securing 35 jobs.

Blackburn with Darwen Planning Council Committee approved the firm's application to put up a portal frame building in the yard, part of which will be used by four administrative workers and the rest for vehicle and plant maintenance and storage.

The councillors had been asked to decide on the issue after a petition was received against the proposals along with objections from two neighbours and Darwen East's Cllr Roy Davies.

Borough planning manager Gavin Prescott said the scheme would cause less noise and traffic than the mill's previous use as a heavy goods vehicle repair yard until two years ago.

Darwen East Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Browne expressed fears that the change could cause major traffic problems on the surrounding roads but borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said there was a need to support firms and jobs following the coronavirus pandemic.

The application was approved with conditions restricting the site's hours of use and noise.