A Blackburn mosque and Islamic centre has been given permission to add a kitchen to its premises.
Masjid-E-Saliheen in Didsbury Street, in the Audley and Queens Park ward, has been granted planning permission for the addition.
It can now build a single-storey extension to the rear of the building to provide a small community kitchen, used for charity events at the centre and cooking classes for local people.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has approved the scheme with eight conditions including a replacement tree planting and landscaping scheme.
This is despite an objection from a nearby resident who said the mosque was "open from early hours till late at night creating noise at unsociable hours", so-called "extreme lighting" along the building impacting nearby homes, and "chaotic traffic and parking" on Friday afternoons for Friday prayers, "with vehicles using pavements and space outside residents homes".
The objection letter warned of increased congestion, noise and traffic if the kitchen was added.
A report recommending approval by planning officer Jamie Edwards says: "The application site relates to the existing Masjid-E-Saliheen mosque and Islamic education centre positioned on the western side of Didsbury Street, Blackburn.
"The building is two storeys high, with a pitched roof.
"It is principally constructed with brown brick and vertically hung tile, though the facades are further broken up with concrete pillars and clad panels.
"Planning permission is sought for the erection of a single-storey extension positioned on the western (rear) elevation of the building to form a kitchen facility.
"It will measure circa eight metres in depth by 15.25m in width and will be constructed with a hipped roof with a ridge height of 3.8m.
"The host building provides an important religious and community use for the Muslim population.
"The proposal seeks the erection of a modest-sized extension to provide a kitchen area.
"It has been confirmed the kitchen will be used solely for the purpose of warming up food brought onto the site for charity events held within the building, as well as the preparation of cold food and drinks.
"The proposed development has been designed to harmonise with the existing building by virtue of the hipped roof profile and matching external materials.
"The proposal will be a significant visual improvement to the host property and street scene."
A supporting statement with the April application from the Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd said: "The premises provides a number of extra-curricular activities including cooking classes, and seeks enhanced facilities in order to better serve its user base.
"The applicant is keen to ensure the use of high-quality, locally sourced materials to bring the scheme to fruition."
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