Former Blackburn suburban pub set to become a mosque

The Hare and Hounds in Lammack Road shut its doors in October, and now a planning application has been submitted for the vacant building to be converted into an Islamic place of worship.

This would include a proposed single-storey side extension with alterations to an existing single-storey rear addition and reconfiguration to the parking layout.

The Lammack Community Association wants to relocate its small worship facility, currently opposite the site in Whinney Lane, into the premises.

Conservative planning spokesperson Cllr Paul Marrow said: “It’s a shame. It was at the heart of the local community.

"It’s sad there is no appetite for someone to keep it as a pub.”

A supporting statement from the Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd says: “The association has outgrown their current accommodation, and an opportunity has arisen to acquire the vacant public house.

“With regards to the loss of the public house, the previous proprietors attempted several times to make the entity viable, seeking planning consent for an extension to host functions as well as utilise parts of the building as a café.

“The pub had been operating at a continued loss and eventually closed down, and there is no viable future for a public house in this particular location.

The proposed single-storey extension to the Hare and Hounds building in Blackburn. (Image: BWDC)

“The proposed worship provision is not considered to be unduly noisy.

“The scheme also includes a single-storey extension to the side and rear and the formation of a parking area along the side elevation of the building.

“The ground floor would be dedicated to the prayer provision, while the single-storey side extension would bring to fruition WC/ablution facilities.

"It would also provide an entrance into the premises.

“The first floor would be dedicated to ancillary spaces to the main Place of Worship, namely a library, a study room and a kitchen.

“The proposed use would put the vacant building to effective use, one that serves the local community.

“The proposals simply seek to relocate the Lammack Community Association into new premises without materially increasing the number of congregation members.”