PROPOSALS to build a sensory room and instal a new higher mesh fence to deter trespassers and vandals at an infant school will be considered by councillors next week.

Town Hall education bosses want to demolish an existing classroom to improve facilities at Shadsworth Infant School in Rothesay Road, Blackburn.

The scheme will provide new classrooms, a sensory room, pupil and staff washrooms and community room.

The works will also include the replacement of existing fence with 2.4 metre high anti-climb mesh fence.

The proposal will be considered by Blackburn with Darwen Council's Planning and Highways Committee on Thursday.

It is recommended for approval with four conditions including the planting of a replacement for a tree which will be felled for the improvements.

A report by planning officers says: "The application relates to Shadsworth Infants School located off Rothesay Road and surrounded by Ayr Road and Tarbutt Crescent.

"The school is a ‘T’ shape single-storey attractive red brick building set in attractive landscaped grounds, which provides a sense of openness and greenery, in what is otherwise a built-up residential area.

"The school has had many extensions over the years.

"Permission is sought to demolish an existing classroom located on the south facing gable of the building, the end closest to Ayr Road,and for the erection of extensions to provide a sensory room, pupil and staff washrooms and community room, involving some internal remodelling.

"This application also seeks permission to replace the existing boundary fence with a 2.4m high anti-climb mesh fence.

"Officers note that the fence is being proposed on the grounds of safeguarding schoolchildren and due to the school experiencing trouble with trespassers and vandals."

No objections have been received from nearby residents.