IMPRESSIVE plans have been submitted for three-storey playing courts to serve two schools in Blackburn.

Areeba Architecture Ltd from Daisyfield Business Centre in Blackburn are the agents for the application for Jamiatul Ilm Wal Huda School for the courts and recreational facility on Moss Street.

The scheme is on vacant land between the two large boys and girls schools. Even though it is listed as three-storey one of these levels is in the basement.

In a report to planners, it says the building will be visible from many points and from the hills of Blackburn and ‘the design and appearance was required to be of a high aesthetic and architectural quality’.

The architects have created a simple cladding system with a single panel type which is ‘tessellated across the façade with a perforated architectural screen/mesh juxtaposed to create visually interesting layered architecture’.

It added: “The proposed cladding provides an almost transparent skin and helps lighten the mass of the building. It also creates a safe, sheltered, and naturally ventilated playing area.

“The overall result is visually interesting, distinctive and sculptural façades that would make a positive and memorable architectural statement on the site.”

In the documents to planners it is mentioned that the playing courts are to be used by the two schools to either side of the site, between the current hours utilised by the school, which is between 9am and 9pm, and it will be open during periods of darkness, especially in the winter months.

There will also two ‘elegant’ spiral staircases which offer external circulation to each of the floors. Also it is claimed that being situated between the two buildings, it will minimise light or noise pollution to nearby homes.

It was added: “The overall scheme will breathe new life into the site and will offer great visual and physical connections. The landscaping will be detailed and will essentially reflect an artist’s sensibility and an overall harmony that will charm the eye.”

Cllr Abdul Samad Patel, who represents the Little Harwood and Whitebirk ward, said:”It looks fantastic and I think it will help the children at both of the schools.They will be proud of it.”