PROPOSALS to convert public land into a car park to serve a mosque and community centre have been approved.

Developers say the car park near Abu Bakr Mosque and the Jinnah Centre in Burnley is needed to alleviate pressure on the roads.

They claim in particular situations such as Friday prayers and special events parking is a significant problem with the access road often blocked to the detriment of highway safety and causing an inconvenience to the occupiers of the adjoining properties.

Burnley Council planning officers have given the green light for the 34-space car park just off the corner of Brougham Street from Princess Way.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: "The existing use of the land is amenity land which has a couple of raised planters and a few trees dotted around the site.

"There is a walkway winding along the width of the site from Brougham Street to Gordon Street.

"Due to the site falling into neglect it is becoming an eyesore and needs to be upgraded and made good.

"The car park will have 34 car parking spaces of which there are six disabled spaces and an area dedicated for cycles and refuse bin collection point.

"The proposed amount of car spaces is considered appropriate and this is an increase from 7 spaces on the adjacent site."