PLANS to extend opening hours at an Islamic education centre have been approved.

Proposals were submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council earlier this year asking to extend the hours of operation at Noorani Education Centre in Hartley Street, Blackburn.

Bosses had hoped to get permission to operate from 8am to 8.30pm every day.

But environmental health officers raised concerns regarding the hours of opening and their variety to those previously approved.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential for noise disturbance due to the closeness of the application property to nearby housing and the restricted provision for access/parking, particularly if the centre was to open early in the morning or late at night.

Officers proposed amended hours which relaxed the previous restriction but also maintained an level of control.

The hours proposed were 9am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and 9am to 12pm on Sundays.

During the course of determining the application, officers confirmed there had been no noise complaints received relating to the centre and it was deemed a relaxation to the opening hours was appropriate.

A spokesman for the centre said: "Due to the education centre's use throughout the day there is additional demand by the wider local community to utilise it for longer periods.

"The committee decided to submit an application for the extension of opening hours.

"The additional hours will allow some activities to be increased for longer periods and some to be added.

"It will help the centre in allowing the wider community to use facilities in the best possible way."

Planning officer Rebecca Halliwell said: "The agent confirmed that the amended proposals were acceptable and they agreed the opening hours.

"It is considered that given the amendment to the hours and the comments received that the proposed amended opening hours would not result in an adverse impact upon the amenity of the adjacent neighbouring dwellings.

"The amended opening hours would obviously impact upon the amount of parking

present at site due to the extended hours attracting a greater number of people.

"It is also noted that a large number of people who utilise the Madressa live locally and walk to the facility.

"Accordingly, the proposed amendments are considered to comply with the requirements of the development plan."