A MAJOR extension to Nelson’s largest mosque will accommodate extra worshippers and solve an age-old flooding problem, councillors have been told.

Proposals have been unveiled by the leaders of the Ghausia Jamia Mosque, in Clayton Street, for additions to the north-east, north-west and south-west sides of the building.

And a new centrepiece will replace an existing fibreglass dome which has been leaking for some time.

Architectural consultant Younus Khan said in a report: “Over the years the dome has started to leak and on a number of occasions works has been carried out to stop the egress of rainwater into the top hall of the mosque. But the problem still exists.”

The solution is believed to be a hipped dome, facing Every Street.

Purpose-built classrooms would also be created for boys and girls, as part of the plans, alongside a separate hall for women, and an enlarged main entrance.

The current ablutions section will be relocated to a new extension, accessible from the Pendle Street end of the site.

Mr Khan told planners that the existing mosque building was now over 20 years old and due to an increase in membership committee members had decided the current building was not meeting their requirements.

The mosque redevelopment is set to be considered by the Nelson area committee next Monday and has been recommended for approval.

Planning officer Helen Garnett said while the extensions represented a ‘considerable bulk’, set against nearby two-storey terraces, this had to be set against other neighbours such as Morrison’s and the Silverman Hall.