Place of worship for Muslims could expand under new plans

Shah Jalal Masjid are currently based at a building on Grange Street, Rawtenstall.

They have now submitted to Rossendale Council a change of use application of part of the building from council offices to a place of worship.

The building already has a mixed class use of offices and place of worship and the plans seek to change the remaining offices to use for the place of worship, saving part of the second floor which will remain as offices.

This will allow Shah Jalal Masjid to 'fully function as a place of worship', according to the agent acting on behalf of them.

In planning documents on behalf of the applicants, agent Hussain Architectural Design Ltd, said: "Shah Jalal Masjid gained the building on March 1, 2016 and has implemented the use of a place of worship since this date.

"The building is successfully used as a place of worship for the immediate community."

They said the change of use will 'not be expected to increase the number of worshippers.'

They said this is because the spaces to be changed under the application will be used as ancillary spaces for the place of worship; such as meeting rooms, teaching areas, ablution areas and other amenities.

Hussain Architectural Design Ltd added that the building has already proved to be a 'successful place of worship for the community' and that the plans will 'secure the future of Shah Jalal Masjid and keep the building in use.'

They said: "The confirmation and approval of the change of use will allow Shah Jalal Masjid to continue using the building as a place of worship without the fear of using the uncertain spaces for the wrong use.

"It will also allow the activities of religious worship such as teachings and meeting happen in other places around the building making more use of the currently vacant spaces, allowing the main prayer areas to be solely used for prayer.

"As the existing use is already in place, we believe the change of use should be granted permission as for years it has already proved to be a successful place of worship for the immediate community of Rawtenstall and this application will secure the future of Shah Jalal Masjid and keep the building in use."