Former deaf charity in Lancashire approved for use as muslim place of worship
A Blackburn town centre premises formerly used as a hub for the deaf can continue to be used as a place of worship for Shia Muslims.
Planners have granted 8 Heaton Street in the King Street Conservation Area backdated approval for the use with seven conditions.
The application for planning permission from Kaysar Hussain of the Ali Spiritual Centre followed a visit from enforcement officers.
It has been in use as a spiritual centre for the Shia community since June last year.
The premises were previously used by the East Lancashire Deaf Society which folded in June 2019.
A planning officer’s report recommending approval said: “The application site relates to a commercial three-storey mid-terrace unit lying to the western side of Heaton Street in Blackburn.
“The site is surrounded by a mixture of residential and commercial uses to all sides including Bramwell House occupied by Salvation Army.
“The unit lies within the King Street Conservation Area and to the edge of the Blackburn town centre.
“The premises was formally in use as a day centre for hearing impairment and had been vacant for six months prior to occupancy from the current tenant.
“The submission documents state that the site has been in use as a spiritual centre since June 2024.
“The application has been submitted on the back of intervention from enforcement colleagues and is therefore retrospective. No external alterations or additions are sought.
“The submitted statement outlines the use of the premises is infrequent and significantly different to a typical mosque operation that does not include madrassah and is used for Friday prayers only and during certain days of the month where 35 to 40 people attend in the evenings from 6pm till 10pm.
“Currently the gatherings only consist of speeches, mediation and remembrance of prophets.
“Friday prayers are attended by 20 to 25 attendees.
“A focus towards community cohesion with the focal point of youth development is encouraged during sessions and the initiative is open to all faiths and backgrounds.
“The centre is operated by volunteers.
“There is no off-street parking provision, however the application is accompanied with a car parking lease agreement at a nearby retail unit (60 metres) to be used when the business is closed in the evening together with an agreement for spaces to be available on Friday communal prayers when the trading business is generally low on customers.
“The centre must only operate Monday to Sunday 11:00 to 22:00.”