Plans for larger mosque in town approved

Plans have been approved for a new larger mosque in a Lancashire town.

A new-look Jamia Masjid Usman Ghani Mosque in Brierfield will replace the existing small red brick building on land at Stanley Street.

Proposals included the creation of 12-car parking space, with five underground spaces which will have access from Arthur Street and landscaping work.

Conditions recommended by Pendle Council included certain types of windows to prevent any noise disturbance to nearby homes.

In the past, planning permission has been granted for other mosque plans for the site, but these had expired over time, a report stated.

An agent's report on behalf of the Brierfield mosque said the Islamic centre there had been operating since about 2000.

It said: "The site is a popular community facility for adults and children. Masjid Usman Ghani is run by local volunteers with funding by donations from the local community.

"The local Muslim community has been settled in this area of Lancashire for the last three to four generations. The existing building was formally a gospel mission Pentecostal church."

The new prayer hall will be larger with a new second floor prayer hall mainly to be used on Fridays when midday prayer attract more worshippers.

At other times it will be for multi-purpose use, including meetings.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]