The creation of a new state-of-the-art boathouse for use by young people at a Blackburn lake is set to be approved by councillors.

Lancashire School Sailing Association (LSSA) wants to construct the new building at Fishmoor Reservoir off Haslingden Road at a cost estimated in excess of £700,000.

The new community water sports facility for young people has already secured a long lease on the land owned by Blackburn with Darwen Council and United Utilities.

The project is supported by donations and in-kind services from the Issa brothers' EG Group and Persimmon Homes with kit and equipment donations from Blackburn Sports Council.

It will be debated by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee on Thursday.

Lancashire Telegraph: Another mock-up of how the boathouse would lookAnother mock-up of how the boathouse would look (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

A report by planning manager Gavin Prescott recommending approval with 12 conditions says: "The site measures 6,198.35 square metres.

"It comprises an established compacted stone access track from Blackamoor Road; a wild grassed area with tree cover and hedgerows; and shipping containers used for storage.

"An outbuilding close to the site access is also by the applicants for toilet and changing amenities.

"Full planning permission is sought for a new community boathouse building, including new parking area and secure rigging area leading to existing slipway; and removal of existing shipping containers.

Lancashire Telegraph: How the site currently looksHow the site currently looks (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

"The proposal would provide for a bespoke, replacement facility for the Lancashire School Sailing Association (LSSA) who promote water sports at Fishmoor Reservoir."

Included in the plans are:

  • Secure storage for all equipment;
  • Safe external storage and rigging area;
  • Wet teaching and dry teaching areas;
  • Changing facilities;
  • Staff amenity facilities;
  • Reception and office;
  • Parking provision; and
  • External amenity space.

The report adds: "LSSA is a charity and users are mainly from the voluntary sector including scouts, guides, sea cadets and the Ribble canoe club.

"LSSA submit that 'the development would provide a year-round community venue with an extended water sports season for activities such a dinghy sailing and paddle sports for schools and youth groups, making a positive impact on the lives of young people'.

"It was considered that it was possible for 30 pupils to arrive on-site at one time.

"Therefore, the building should have capacity for these numbers.

"Water class sizes tend to have between six and 10 pupils.

"LSSA has a long-established association with Fishmoor Reservoir.

"The proposal seeks to improve and safeguard access to water sports for young people within the community.

"The proposed building a would form a distinctive, sympathetic, and sustainable form of development, founded on established up-to-date design principles."