School playground extension at St Barnabas & St Pauls School, Blackburn

“Proposed development: Full Planning Application (Regulation 3) for Proposed change of use of vacant land to provide additional playground area together with the installation of new fencing & pedestrian & vehicular gates, 2.4m high…”

“The application site relates to land adjacent to St Barnabas & St Pauls Primary School. It is located to the east of the existing school building and south-west of Nab Lane.”

“The proposal site largely comprises of tarmac with a section of overgrown grassland / vegetation to the southern boundary. It can be openly accessed with a footpath that abuts the boundary.”

“The following applications relate directly to the application site;”

“10/03/02075 – Erection of perimeter fencing. Approved, 05/09/2003. • 10/21/0226 – Installation of 2.4m high mesh security fencing incorporating 7no single entry gates and 2no double entry gates. Refused, 14/04/2021.”

“The proposal is in the form a full planning application. It seeks the change of use to a vacant parcel of land to provide an extended playground area associated with St Barnabas & St Pauls School. The proposal includes boundary treatment works as a means of enclosure to the land in the form of 2.4m high fencing, pedestrian and vehicular gates.”

“In summary, assessment of the application finds the proposal is acceptable and beneficial, with all material planning considerations and issues having been addressed throughout section 4 of this report.”

“The proposal is for the change of use of an existing strip of vacant land to an outdoor play area for the educational use with other associated works. No actual buildings or play equipment are proposed. The land is currently frunderutilised and bringing it into an active use to provide 0-p outdoor play space for pupils to undertake recreational activities and sport would be beneficial to the school.”

“A residential apartment block is currently being built to the direct south of the application site with the rear elevation of the building approximately 15m away. Likewise, there are other residential dwellings situated similar distances on Oakenhurst Road and Heyhurst Road. The proposal would result in an outdoor play area being formed closer to these residential uses.”

“Neighbourhood consultation letters were sent out on 3 rd February 2026, to 8 properties surrounding the application site. In addition, a Site Notice was displayed on 10 th February 2026 which was positioned along Nab Lane. An additional neighbour consultation was also undertaken on 13 th February 2026 following the receipt of amended plans showing changes to the original red edge to include a further parcel of land within the proposal.”

“In response to the Local Planning Authority public consultation, no comments / objections have been received.”

“Decision under the Town and Country Planning Acts and Regulations –”

“That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions highlighted in the Director’s report.”