LOCAL government secretary Eric Pickles has been asked to ‘call in’ Tauheedul’s controversial plans for a purpose-built new primary school in Blackburn.

Solicitors for opponents of the scheme want him, or his successor after Thursday’s general election, to review Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee’s decision to approve the £5 million scheme over road safety concerns.

In February councillors gave permission in principle for the new Olive School on Meins Road, Beardwood despite objections from more than 70 local residents, Westholme School, landowner Lord Alvingham and the Beardwood Hospital.

The residents’ group initially threatened to seek a judicial review of the decision in the High Court.

Instead their solicitors Eversheds have sent a 250 page document to Mr Pickles’ department of Communities and Local Government asking his department to review and quash the approval on traffic grounds.

His department have asked for the relevant documentation from Blackburn with Darwen council which has been sent to the National Planning Casework Unit to decide whether to call in the application.

The Tauheedul Education Trust wants to replace the existing Olive Primary on Bicknell Street with a two-storey complex for 630 pupils on unused playing fields next to its Islamic Girls High School.

Beardwood and Lammack councillor Mike Lee said: “We do not think the safety of school children has been properly addressed by the council.”

In February, the Olive School scheme was approved with a full page of conditions including traffic management and calming measures.

The Tauheedul Education Trust said in a statement: “Our priority is to deliver the highest quality education to the young people of Blackburn in the best possible learning environment.

“As we have always made clear, we will continue to work closely with the community to ensure we allay any of their concerns and develop a site which works for local schools, parents and residents.”