Plans for Islamic school in Blackburn turned down

PLANS to open an Islamic school in Blackburn have been turned down.

Blackburn with Darwen Council decided against plans to convert an industrial unit in Leamington Road into a madrassa after schoolteaching centre where children learn the Koran, the Muslim holy book.

Blackburn’s planning committee said the application was not complete and had not taken into account fire regualtions or health and safety regualtions.

The applicant was advised to have further conversations with planning officers by councillors at Thursday’s meeting.

Councillors went against planning officers recommendations to approve the plan.

Applicant Faruk Patel told the meeting he had taken on board concerns about parking, but that many students would walk to classes.

However councillors had concerns about the condition of the building for holding classes for young people.

Coun Paul Browne said: “The building is quite unsuitable for this use, you only need to look at it.”

Chairman of the committee Jim Smith said: “In particular, attention needs to be placed on putting in proper fire escapes and safer windows.

“I would suggest further talks with planning officers. I’ve never seen a building more unsuitable”.

Applicant Faruk Patel was hoping to transfer his 25 pupil madrassa onto the site as his current landlord in Lynwood Road, Blackburn, will not be renewing his lease.

A number of petitions objecting to parking issues and the suitability of the development were submitted following his application.