Parking to scupper plans to turn Blackburn pub into mosque

PLANS to convert a former pub into a mosque are set to be thwarted because of parking concerns.

Blackburn with Darwen’s planning committee will consider the bid to change the use of the former Beech Tree Inn, Whalley Old Road.

Ali Muzaffer wants to use the building to enlarge the neighbouring Madressa Taleem Ul Islam.
The plans have been supported by a number of Liberal Democrat councillors and a petition.

But three letters of objection have been received, and officers have advised the committee to reject the scheme because it does not provide for enough off-street parking.

But a letter from the mosque trust said the development would mean people did not have to drive to mosques further afield, causing traffic problems.

Ward councillor Iftakhar Hussain said: “A lot of people walk there, so it might not make much difference. Parking is a problem everywhere, so if they could add some parking it would be ideal.”