PLANS to build a new three-storey mosque in Accrington have been given the green light.

Councillors on Hyndburn’s planning committee granted permission to demolish existing mosque buildings on Higher Antley Street and create a 1,296 square metre building with decorative minarets and a dome.

Councillors voiced some concerns over the lack of parking provision with only five on-site spaces but these were alleviated after it was revealed 100 members of the mosque lived within a short walking distance.

The committee asked for an additional condition banning any sort of function, such as weddings, within the building which will house a ground-floor prayer area for men, a first floor area for women and a teaching area on the first floor.

Applicant Asif Khan said that the new increased size was not to attract more people at services, but to allow room for religious instruction classes for children after school. There are currently three part-time and six full-time employees at the mosque which will increase to six part-time and six full-time employees.

Speaking at Hyndburn’s planning committee, Coun Doug Hayes said: “They need the extra space and if you think about it, most churches don’t have parking provision so I’m not sure why we would insist on that. As long as it is used for religious teaching and prayers, and not any type of function, I am in favour of it.”

Coun Miles Parkinson said: “All denominations have a right to worship and this close-knit community is willing to invest in an building which is sadly in need of investment.”

Coun Allah Dad added: “This is something which the local muslim community have needed for many years. I have always supported religious facilities and education centres.”

Services on Friday and five daily prayers will continue as normal with children’s classes taking place from 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday. Services will remain the same during Ramadan.

The current building is constructed with artificial stone but planning officers have ruled that the new building should use natural stone to reflect the character of the area.