Vape factory destroyed in fire has rebuild approved

More than 50 firefighters took three days to bring the blaze under control

Plans to rebuild a vape factory which was gutted by a fire have been approved.

The Vape Dinner Lady building in Blackburn's Shadsworth Industrial Estate was destroyed in September by a fire caused by a faulty light.

More than 50 firefighters took three days to bring the blaze under control.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has now approved planning permission for a new building. Owners Acsini Investments Ltd said work would start shortly.

The planning permission has been approved with 14 conditions.

A supporting statement with the application said: "The site is currently vacant land containing the remnants of the previously fire damaged building and its service yard."

It added: "The building has been designed to be reminiscent of the scale and size of the previous fire-damaged structure as well as to be similar to those of the surrounding properties."

'Improve aesthetics'

"This development will help to reinforce and improve the economic output of the local plan designated primary employment area.

"The design of this unit not only will result in the development of a fire damaged area of the Shadsworth industrial estate it will also provide a new contemporary industrial unit that will improve the aesthetics of the surrounding area."

The fire broke out on 11 September at the warehouse off Johnson Way.

A number of roads were closed in the area and people had been encouraged to close windows and doors.