Post-16 SEN facility at Bridge House Corner of Bridge Street/Jubilee Street, Blackburn

“Proposed Development: Conversion of Bridge House to a Post-16 special education need (SEN) facility (Use Class F1(a)), alongside a two-storey extension, the provision of an ancillary cafe, installation of solar panels to the roof and new windows, car and minibus parking, outdoor recreation space, plant and storage space and associated landscaping works…”

“The application site is a vacant commercial building, which is located within Blackburn Town Centre and the Darwen Street Centre Conservation Area. Former uses of the building involve offices, and it was constructed to serve the previously removed tram network. A number of listed buildings are positioned nearby, with the Grade II listed Blackburn Train Station being the closest.”

“Bridge House is the former offices for the Blackburn and Over Darwen Tramways Co. Ltd. It was constructed in the early 20 th century. The building is faced in red brick with sandstone detailing and it has frontages to both Bridge Street and Jubilee Street, with a conical turret that addresses the junction onto Jubilee Street and Railway Road.”

“10.98/0008 – Revised access and new layout to car park area – Approved, with conditions – February 1998. ➢ 10.97/0491 – Conversion of an existing garage to office accommodation – Approved, with conditions – September 1997. ➢ 10.85/0414 – Conversion of existing ground floor offices in existing restaurant block to form registrar’s office – Approved, with conditions – April 1984.”

“The proposed development is recommended to be granted planning permission, subject to the conditions detailed below in Section 5.”

“On balance, the proposals would be satisfactory from a technical point of view, with all issues having been addressed through the application process, or capable of being controlled or mitigated through appropriately worded planning conditions.”

“The key issues to be addressed in determining this application are as follows:”

“Principle of development ➢ Design and visual amenity ➢ Impacts on heritage assets ➢ Safeguarding amenity ➢ Highways and parking ➢ Ecological assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain ➢ Flood risk and drainage provisions ➢ Land contamination ➢ Archaeology ➢ Sustainability…”

“The proposed development has been publicised through letters to residents and occupants of the nearest 23 adjacent properties on 16 th June 2025. In addition, a site notice was displayed on 03 rd July 2025. No public comments have been received for the applications so far. Should any public comments be received ahead of the committee meeting they will be presented as part of the committee update report.”

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

“RESOLVED – Approved subject to the conditions highlighted in the Director’s Report…”