Now, a reclusive religious group wants to build a gospel hall at the former Ministry of Defence base in Goosnargh, near Preston.

The Exclusive Brethren, an evangelical protestant Christian church, has asked for permission to demolish a power house which used to serve an underground nuclear bunker on the Whittingham Lane base.

Planning consultants have described the sprawling site as the "ideal" location for a place of worship for the group, which encourages members to keep separate from non-members and avoid "corrupting" influences like television and computers.

It is thought there are around 150 Exclusive Brethren in the Preston area, who attend a gospel hall in Egerton Road, Ashton, and bought the MoD site last year.

Around 24 members live in Broughton, near Preston, and that number is expected to double in the next few years.

A planning statement sent to Preston Council by consultants De Pol Associates says: "The MoD site is ideally situated.It is very rare that a site of this size and in the right location becomes available."

The Whittingham Lane site's underground nuclear bunker was once used as a filter room, collecting information during the Second World War.

Planning permission was granted last year for the bunker to be turned into an eco-friendly five-bedroomed home.

The planning application will be decided by council planners under delegated powers, unless objections are received.