COUNCILLORS are recommended to approve the the installation of a temporary classroom block for three years at a borough's largest special school as part of a strategy to increase provision for pupils with additional needs.

The building at Newfield School in Old Bank Lane, Blackburn, will be a stopgap while two new permanent extensions to the school are constructed.

The new temporary block would be near the existing classrooms

Both moves are part of a wider strategy to prevent children being sent out of Blackburn with Darwen borough for their education.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's planning committee on Thursday night has been recommended to approve the scheme at the site near the Royal Blackburn Hospital with five conditions.

A report to councillors by planning officer Christian Barton says: "The proposals involve the installation of a temporary classroom block within the school grounds to provide alternate capacity for up to three years.

"The site comprises of two large interconnected buildings alongside landscaped areas, playgrounds and car parks.

"The existing school building is modern in its design with a corrugated metal roof and elevations finished in a range of materials and colours.

"The block would be positioned adjacent to the main buildings.

"Two classrooms would be provided within alongside toilets and storerooms.

"The block would have a footprint of circa 144 square metres and a flat roof 3m in height.

"It would have grey steel walls, a ruberiod roof and grey aluminium doors and windows.

"An access ramp would be installed.

"The proposed block would be in place for a period of up to three years, from September 2023 until September 2026.

"The temporary classrooms would offer a learning environment of similar quality as that found within the existing teaching spaces.

"The approach of erecting a temporary classroom has been pursued specifically to meet a short-term need whilst the council focuses on the permanent enlargement of the existing school buildings, which is expected to commence in early 2024.

"The proposed block would be positioned within a concealed location and it would be predominantly screened from the public by existing buildings."