Around 100 people heard from residents and local councillors over proposals to turn a former college into a wedding and events venue.

The public meeting was held at the Revidge Fold Church on Shear Brow on Monday evening where residents living nearby aired their views on the proposals.

The charitable body set up by EG Group founders Mohsin and Zubair Issa was told last month it did not have the necessary planning permission to use St Mary’s College in Shear Brow for events.

They have sought to rectify this, with retrospective planning permission submitted last month to ensure the building can be used for events such as wedding receptions, birthdays, music events, and conferences. 

Whilst the building is owned by the Issa Foundation, the leaseholders of the site are Inara Events Ltd.

Residents at the meeting heard of concerns over a noise survey which they say was conducted between 9am and 5pm, times when events are unlikely to occur. 

In a statement on behalf of some of the residents Sabir Esa said: “When residents questioned why the survey wasn’t conducted during evening hours, which is when the majority of events would actually take place, the applicant’s planning agent failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.”

Claims relating to the number of people who attend the venue were called into question with it being suggested the venue could hold 600 guests. Yet a limit of 300 people was mentioned, some residents said.

Sabir said: “However, no concrete plan or enforceable measures were provided to ensure this restriction, leaving residents deeply worried about the inevitable traffic congestion and parking shortages that would result from larger events.”

Concerns were also raised over the ‘smells of curry’ and the ‘strong cooking odour that may emanate from the venue when catering teams are in operation’. 

Guests at Asian weddings are traditionally served a range of curries at events.

Sabir said: “The overall feeling among residents was one of frustration and concern.

“They believe the application is poorly thought out, lacks transparency, and fails to consider the significant impact it would have on their quality of life. 

“Residents are urging the council to take these concerns seriously and ensure that this application is rigorously examined.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council previously took enforcement action following complaints from residents living in the area about excessive noise and dangerous parking outside the venue in the summer.

A planning application submitted to the council said: “Consent is sought for the change of use of a building at the former St Mary’s College, Shear Brow, Blackburn, into two private hire function hall rooms. The space was formerly the college’s assembly/lecture hall.

“The proposed function rooms would cater for private events such as wedding receptions, birthdays, music events, and conferences.

"They would be available for hire mainly on Thursday and Friday evenings and on weekends.”