After months of debate and pushback, the planning application to transform the site into a venue for functions and celebrations has been officially withdrawn.
The controversy began last August when Blackburn Council stepped in to halt unauthorised activity at the site, owned by the Issa Foundation and leased by Inara Events Ltd. Complaints from residents in the Shear Brow area sparked action, with the Council issuing a Temporary Stop Notice and a Community Protection Notice Warning to the leaseholders.
Locals were unhappy with the unauthorised use of the building for events, citing concerns over noise, traffic, and disruption in the residential area. The Council required a formal planning application to consider the change of use. While this application was eventually submitted, the process has now come to an abrupt halt with its withdrawal.
With the application withdrawn, the building cannot legally host functions or events, leaving its future use in question. This decision may come as a relief to residents who feared increased disturbances, but it also raises questions about what’s next for the site.
The news has already sparked heated discussion. Some see this as a victory for local residents who stood up for their community, while others argue it’s a missed chance to revitalise the building and bring activity to the area.
What’s your take on this? Should the building be repurposed for other uses, or is the community better off with it remaining quiet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on our social media channels!
