COUNCILLORS have welcomed that a new sports complex at as Islamic education centre will be used by local residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Planning Committee has approved the proposal to add a three-storey open-sided playing courts building at the Jamiatul Illm Wal Huda in Moss Street, Blackburn.

It will be between the separate boys and girls schools at the site which also has a mosque..

The new building will use a simple steel frame set behind a perforated metal cladding and pick up on aspects of the Islamic architectural style of the other buildings including a mosque within the site.

It will replace four external sports courts and be surrounded by a high mesh fence.

Audley and Queen's Park ward's Cllr Yusuf Jan-Virmani said: "I am pleased the courts will be open for community use."

His view was echoed by Shear Brow and Corporation Park ward's Cllr Suleman Khonat who said: "Perhaps this is something other educational establishments could do."

Conservative spokesman Cllr Paul Marrow said: "It is good these courts will be open to the public."

It says: “The proposed development will provide a high-quality recreational facility to meet the needs of the educational uses on site, as well as the surrounding community."