A SPECIAL school is set to get two prefabricated temporary classrooms while its move from one borough to another is finalised.

Lancashire County Council has asked Hyndburn Council for planning permission for the additions for Broadfield Specialist School in Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

The authority is in the final stages of considering a consultation on its controversial £3m transfer to the premises of the former Hameldon Community College in Burnley by 2024.

The move would create an extra 60 places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The planning application asks for approval to provide two temporary classrooms along with a safe space lobby and WCs on its playground.

Broadfield, twice rated ‘outstanding’ by government inspectors Ofsted, has 143 pupils with learning difficulties between 11 and 16, many on the autistic spectrum.

A Design and Access Statement submitted by the county council with the application says: "The school is taking 10 more pupils in the academic year starting in September 2021.

"The school currently employs 99 staff with three catering staff, two cleaners and a school nurse.

"There will also be nine more teaching staff to deliver the curriculum to these pupils.

"To accommodate these additional pupils the school needs two more teaching spaces plus back up facilities and it is the intention of this prefabricated unit to provide the school the space it needs to function well.

"There is very limited scope to accommodate additional accommodation on this school's site.

"The proposed location for the temporary accommodation is currently part of the school's playground facilities.

A County Council spokeswoman said: "Planning permission for two temporary classrooms is being sought to ensure Broadfield Specialist School has extra space to meet its needs now.

"There is a proposal to move the school to the former Hameldon School site in Burnley, which has been consulted on.

"However before any move takes place the building will need some adaptions so it is suitable for the needs of Broadfield and its pupils."