Plans to demolish an existing mosque building and replace it with a new purpose-built place of worship more than twice the size have been approved.

The application for the expansion of the Jamia Masjid Usman Ghani, in Stanley Street, Brierfield, has been given the go-ahead with a number of conditions.

The site has been used as an Islamic place of worship since 2000, run by volunteers for prayer and education, having previously been a Pentecostal Mission.

The plans will see the single-story structure demolished and a new structure created, along with 12 parking spaces and bicycle storage.

Included in the new two-storey building are an entrance hall, cleaning facilities, a hexagonal main prayer hall, classrooms and a funeral preparation area.

The current mosque site, which will be demolishedThe current mosque site, which will be demolished (Image: Google)

It will include traditional features of a mosque, including a green domed roof on the prayer hall and a minaret, used for the call to prayer.

The plans state: “The building will be of bespoke design and will be a vast improvement to the character and appearance of the area than existing.

“The existing overgrown grassed areas will be removed. Replacement planting and landscaping have been considered.

“This will provide biodiversity net gains and soften the appearance of the building in its surroundings.

“The site is well located in relation to serving the close-knit local community.

“[It will] provide an outstanding facility for the community and enhance the character of the area by bringing the existing site up to high standards.

“The new building will use previously developed land; the facility itself is in need of space to bring it to a suitable functional use and it would not have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

“A significant number of religious buildings are a focal point of their community, and it would be uncharacteristic for them to be reduced to insignificant levels.”

Lancashire County Council’s highways team raised concerns over a lack of off-street parking included with the plans but did not object to the proposals if a number of conditions are met around highway safety.

The Coal Authority said while the site is in a high-risk area for probably shallow mining, a risk assessment has been carried out and it did not object to the plans, while United Utilities also did not object, but asked for details of water drainage schemes to be provided.

Pendle Council approved the development with 16 conditions, including drainage, rules on parking, the requirement for details about external light and noise to be provided, and that material samples should be provided before construction begins.

No public comments, either in favour or objecting to the plans, were received.