£2million Blackburn Muslim boarding school will be self financing

THE principal of an Islamic college granted permission to build a new independent Muslim girls’ boarding school has stressed its strong community links.

Mufti Abdus-Samad Ahmed has also made clear that neither the existing boys’ nor the new girls’ school would receive or seek any financial support from the government or local council.

On Thursday night Blackburn with Darwen planning committee approved the £2million scheme for 400 pupils.

The 40,000 square foot ‘Gardens of Knowledge and Guidance’ school will house 200 boarders, including some from overseas, and provide day education for another 200 from local area.

The school will be built in the grounds of the existing Islamic Knowledge and Guidance boys’ college in Moss Street, Daisyfield, Blackburn.

Two local residents objected on grounds of extra traffic and the buildings overlooking nearby residential properties.

Before approving the scheme, councillors on the committee were given assurances by the college’s planning agent, Rafiq Mogra, that the maximum number of boarders would not exceed 200 and that the college authorities would continue to work closely with the borough’s children’s service department to ensure the welfare of residential children.

Mr Ahmed said: “We are pleased that our girls’ school has been approved. We have been operating since 1997 and have neither received any funding in the past from the local council or the Department for Education, nor intend to apply for any in the future.Some Lancashire Telegraph readers have expressed concerns about the need for more religious schools and the possible use of taxpayers cash.

“We are totally independent and will operate solely through contributions from parents and donors.

“We enjoy a collaborative partnership with the local community, local institutions and authorities.

“Students recently donated to the Blackburn Foodbank, contributed to a new roof at the East Lancashire Hospice, delivered hot meals to the Salvation Army Centre in Blackburn and raised money for the World Book Day.”

“Our students have been actively involved in projects with the Blackburn Cathedral and with the local Army regiment and Lancashire Police.”