According to Rahyafte(the missionaries and converts website) The place of worship in Lancaster Place, Blackburn, can now add a double storey front and side extension, a first floor, single-storey side extension.
The scheme for the Madni Mosque in Wensley Fold ward also involves constructing new dome and replacements for its existing minarets.
The planning application from Blackburn with Darwen Council for the additions has eight conditions attached including no calls to prayer and the submission of a ‘green’ travel plan.
Approval was given despite an objection from a nearby residents over the generation of extra traffic and lack of onsite parking.
A report by planning office Nick Blackledge recommending approval said: “The existing use is confirmed as a place of Islamic worship which includes Islamic teaching within the main prayer area. Two devoted classrooms are proposed at first floor.
“It is submitted that the extra capacity is to cater, primarily, for Friday prayers and the month of Ramadan.
“One objection was received, summarised as traffic generation and lack of off-street parking.
“Five representations of support were received, summarised as community benefit
“Letters of support have, however, been submitted from householders resident at numbers 186 to 192, citing significant community benefit from the extended Mosque.
“It is understood that these resident have a direct affiliation with the mosque.
“It is submitted that a significant proportion of worshippers attend on foot for a facility mainly for the benefit of the immediate local community.
“The existing building is clearly identifiable as an Islamic place of worship, distinct from the prevailing residential characteristics of the area in general.
“The proposal will follow existing Islamic design traits of the building, through incorporation of replacement minarets and a central roof mounted dome.
“In this context, the design of the proposal is acceptable.”
A Design and Access statement submitted with the application said: “Madni Masjid is a highly valued local community mosque which has been serving the local Muslim resident population for many years.
“The centre is looking to improve its existing offer through undertaking some remodelling and an internal reconfiguration to provide separate male and female worshipping floorspace as well as other ancillary elements including better quality hygienic ablution facilities, reading rooms, storage space and an office.”
Source: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
