Blackburn College is set to upgrade its teaching facilities with the addition of a new temporary classroom, adjacent to its Construction Centre in University Close. The new space, which has been granted planning permission by Blackburn with Darwen Council under three specific conditions, aims to enhance the college’s educational capabilities, particularly in the area of bricklaying instruction.
According to a detailed report by planning officer Martin Kenny, the proposal involves the replacement of an existing polyurethane tunnel with a more substantial structure. The current tunnel, which lacks planning permission, occupies an outdoor service yard next to the Construction Centre on the Blackburn College campus. The site is bordered to the south by the two-story brick Construction Centre and to the north by the stone-fronted St Paul’s Working Men’s Club, in an area characterized by a diverse mix of architectural styles and materials.
The planning permission outlines the creation of a pitched roof building with dimensions of 11.6 meters by 6.125 meters and a height of 5.74 meters at the ridge. Constructed with a steel frame, insulated cladding walls, and PVC fabric-coated roofing, the east-facing elevation of the building will feature a roller shutter door for accessibility. Despite the functional design not meeting high aesthetic standards, the planning report highlights several mitigating factors. The building’s placement next to other structures restricts its visibility, and the surrounding area already features a variety of architectural forms. Additionally, the new building will replace an unattractive, existing tunnel, providing a more robust and visually cohesive solution.
Kenny’s report justifies the temporary nature of the building, stating, “The proposal is identified as a temporary building with the college considering long-term permanent solutions. It is acceptable to support the proposal on a temporary basis. A three-year period is deemed to be reasonable.” This timeframe allows the college to continue its educational programs without interruption while exploring more permanent options for its facilities.
The proposed structure is specifically designed to support the teaching of bricklaying, addressing the college’s immediate educational needs. The new building will be more durable and better suited for containing noise and odors compared to the current setup. This improvement is particularly relevant given the site’s proximity to the St Paul’s Working Men’s Club, which primarily operates in the evenings and is thus unlikely to be adversely affected by the development.
The temporary classroom represents a strategic step for Blackburn College as it seeks to enhance its educational infrastructure. The planning permission’s conditions ensure that the new building will serve its purpose effectively while minimizing potential disruptions to the surrounding community. The college’s commitment to finding a long-term solution underscores its dedication to providing high-quality education and adapting to the evolving needs of its students.
In summary, Blackburn College’s initiative to introduce a new temporary classroom adjacent to its Construction Centre is a well-considered response to its current educational requirements. With planning permission granted under specific conditions, the college can proceed with the development, which promises to improve the quality of its teaching facilities and better serve its student population. The temporary nature of the building allows for flexibility and future planning, ensuring that the college can continue to deliver effective education while exploring permanent solutions.