A TWO-storey extension at a Blackburn mosque has been approved, despite concerns over traffic.

Councillors on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee decided to pass the extension to Leamington Road Mosque, which will be used for specialist female accommodation and activities.

The decision was against council officer’s recommendation, as they believed the loss of six car parking spaces would cause highways problems in the area, especially during Friday prayers and Madressa.

Coun Alan Cottam said: “If you were to have adequate parking in every mosque in town, then you would have to close half of them.

"I think it’s a bit of a red herring, the parking issue.”