A SECOND bid to turn a former pub into a mosque and Islamic education centre will be debated by councillors on Thursday.

A previous attempt to turn the shell of the Little Harwood Inn in Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, into a place of Muslim worship and madrassah was abandoned in March after a 23-signature petition from 23 nearby residents opposing the scheme.

But now a revised proposal from Blackburn-based Islamic organisation Dawat-e-Islami will be considered by councillors.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Planning Committee has been recommended by officers to approve the scheme despite seven objections.

A two storey dilapidated red brick barn in its rear yard would be demolished if planning permission is granted.

The objectors question the need for another mosque when two others exist within two minutes’ walk of the site and complain of the loss of parking for users of existing shops in Little Harwood centre.

They say the proposed 21 parking spaces are insufficient parking provision for the number of people who will use it and raised concerns about road safety on the already very busy Whalley Old Road.

The objectors are concerned about noise late at night and at peak prayer times.

Ebrahim Musalman tells the councillors: "The outbuilding is an old building - built with old stones and looks good as part of the heritage of Little Harwood.

The building is said to have been plagued by anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping since it has lain empty.

The conversion scheme proposes five daily prayers and four evening educational classes split over two sessions each with a maximum of 12 children.

A report from planning officers says: "The proposal, in redeveloping this redundant vacant building for the purpose of a mosque and madrassah within Little Harwood district centre, represents a

viable and sustainable form of development within a key building within the district centre on a key arterial route into Blackburn.

"A short row of terraced residential uses attach to the former public house and terraced dwellings exist to the rear of the building on Wareham Street along with a number of other terraced streets.

"It is considered that planning conditions restricting the use of the vehicular entrance from Wareham Street during night time hours will adequately safeguard the amenity of the nearest neighbours."

The officers report recommend 16 conditions on the approval including soundproofing, no externally audible 'Calls to Prayer' and no wedding celebrations on site.