Blackburn Rovers' special toilet for disabled fans approved

The prefabricated 'Changing Places' building with be at the ground's North-East corner close to the main entrance and Rovers club shop.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted planning permission for the addition.

A report by planning officer Tom Wiggan recommending approval said: "The area where the changing place facility would be situated is adjacent to the Blackburn End stand, within the grounds of the stadium, on an area of general hardstanding serving Blackburn Rovers.

Where the facility will be located

"This application seeks consent for a 16.9 square metre (4.8metre x 3.5m x 2.8m high) detached pre-fabricated Changing Place facility for members of the public with severe disabilities and assistants.

"Four neighbours were consulted by letter and a site notice was displayed. No comments were received.

"The changing facility will be set within the grounds of, and be ancillary to, the main use of the site as a football stadium.

"The proposal seeks to be sympathetic with the existing adjacent buildings and stadium in its ‘box-like’ shape and materiality, as well as the brand colours of the team.

"The structure will be appropriately sited and will look in keeping with its surroundings and will be appropriate for its intended use.

"The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of size, siting, scale and appearance.

"The changing facility will be appropriately sited, located on an existing hardstanding area within the secure confines of the existing Ewood Park stadium, and will not in itself result in any increase in footfall, noise or disturbance, etc.

"It will have a positive impact as it will improve accessibility."

The approval has three conditions attached.

The stadium has accessible turnstiles on each corner of the stadium, with up to 262 wheelchair/scooter spaces at pitch-level locations and currently the nearest Changing Place facility is Blackburn Market almost two miles away.