Library theatre refurbishment at Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Blackburn Planning and Highways Committee on 19 Jun 2025.
What was proposed
The scheme would refurbish the library theatre, create a new entrance with lift and stairs, add a two-storey extension, and replace windows and rooflights.
“Proposed Development: Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent: Refurbishment of the Library Theatre to create a new entrance, with lift and stair core, erection of two-storey extension to create additional accommodation and bar area, and installation of replacement windows and rooflights…”
Officer report
The site and surroundings
The site is a Grade II listed Carnegie library theatre in Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area, with a two-storey building, car park and surrounding civic and commercial uses.
“The application site is a Grade II listed building, which is located within Darwen Town Centre and the Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area. It comprises of a two-storey building with associated carpark area and access arrangements. The Library Theatre is an example of a Carnegie library dating to 1908.”
Officer report
Earlier approved works
Earlier applications for removing an outbuilding and replacing the fire escape staircase were approved with conditions in February 2025.
“10/24/1137 and 10/24/1138 – Removal of single storey outbuilding and small brick outrigger, removal and replacement of fire escape staircase and any required remedial works – Approved, with conditions (committee decision) – February 2025.”
Officer report
Public comments
The proposal was publicised to nearby properties and through site notices, but no public comments or representations were received.
“The proposed development has been publicised through letters to residents and occupants of the nearest 73 adjacent properties on 31 st March 2025. In addition, site notices were displayed on 16 th April 2025. No public comments have been received for the applications so far. Should any public comments be received ahead of the committee meeting they will be presented as part of the update report.”
Officer report
The committee’s decision
The Planning and Highways Committee approved full planning permission and listed building consent subject to the conditions highlighted in the Director’s report.
“Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent: Refurbishment of the Library Theatre to create a new entrance, with lift and stair core, erection of two-storey extension to create additional accommodation and bar area, and installation of replacement windows and rooflights.”
“RESOLVED – Approved subject to the conditions highlighted in the Director’s report.”
Minutes
Sources
- Blackburn Planning and Highways Committee minutes, 19 June 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Blackburn's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Blackburn
- Date
- Thursday 19 June 2025
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Blackburn committee decisions →
This committee's year
7 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.