Girls' school plan for former Walsall pub

The old Birchills Tavern pub could be transformed into the IQRA Academy for girls, under the plans.

A previous application was refused by officers under delegated powers on the grounds it would create more traffic and because of insufficient provision for sports use.

But new plans have now been submitted by the Pakistan Muslim Welfare Association.

There were also claims the rear outdoor space was too small.

Plans state the school will cover GCSE subjects and Arabic and Islamic studies and the majority of pupils will be from the Birchills.

It aims to be open in September, if planning chiefs give the go-ahead.

It is proposed that the secondary school, in Birchills Street, will take 60 students in the first 18 months, with a view to increase capacity in the future.

A report, submitted with the plans, said: "In conclusion, our main aim is to serve the local community and also provide a first class education in an environment where students can then aspire to go on to bigger and better opportunities.

"I would like to reiterate that there is plenty of opportunity as the schools and sports facilities have been very accommodating and this is all sustainable as we will be paying fees for these services which will help all of these institutions financially."

Plans have been formally submitted to Walsall Council.

They say there would be ample parking but regular bus services also run, with stops nearby.

Classes would run from 7.45am to 2.45pm in order to help ease any potential congestion problems.

The plans state that a licence agreement has been signed with St Chad's Academy Trust to use nearby land for sports use.

Swimming classes would take place at Walsall's Gala Baths, sports facilities would be available to hire from a local school and activities could also take place at nearby parks, according to the plans.

The former pub is now known as the Syeda Fatima Zahra Centre.

It is currently used for teaching Arabic to children.

No structural alterations would be carried out to convert the building into a secondary school for 11 to 16-year-old girls as classrooms are already in place, but the plans state that the building is currently underused during the day and there is a demand for an academy.

The existing six classrooms would be furnished with up to 20 desks in each room.