A GRADE-II listed school is to undergo repairs after its roof started leaking.

Work is to be carried out at Brambles East school in Holly Tree Close, Darwen, which dates back to the 19th century.

Brambles East is an independent day school providing specialist education for boys with social, emotional and mental health difficulties

A planning application has been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council detailing the scale of the work.

The aim of the proposed works is to undertake a full external repairs scheme of the envelope of the property along with a roof replacement.

This is to ensure that the property is left watertight and to prevent any further deterioration of the building fabric both internally and externally.

The proposed works also include the provision of automated entrance gates and a new paved driveway.

Brambles East School building, formerly known as Woodlands, was constructed in about 1860.

The original building was designed by Ernest Bates of Manchester, who also designed India Mill and its famous chimney.

The house was built originally for the Ashton family and was completed in 1863. It originally was set within a vast estate covering more than 70 acres, however is now surrounded by relatively new low-rise residential houses.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: "All of the features which contribute to the significance, particularly the roofs, windows and masonry will be subject to sympathetic repair / refurbishment.

"The choice of materials will be to match existing on a like for like basis.

"In addition, where unsympathetic works have been undertaken historically these will be replaced with construction techniques to match the original.

"It is our view that the proposals are sympathetic in nature and will retain/enhance the original character of the building.

"If any unforeseen works to the building are identified over that specified above, where appropriate, we will inform the conservation officer in order to discuss and agree an appropriate repair before proceeding."