UK’s Blackburn Mosque Secures Approval to Expand Into Next-Door Shop

Masjid Quwatul Islam and Madrassa Talimul Islam granted permission to extend, bringing new female prayer space and facilities for growing Muslim community

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Muslim community in Blackburn, England, is set to benefit from expanded facilities as Masjid Quwatul Islam and Madrassa Talimul Islam received approval to extend their operations into a neighbouring shop.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee granted permission for the mosque and madrassa to take over the premises previously occupied by The Old Curiosity Shop, paving the way for the addition of a female prayer space, ablution areas, textbook storage, and office rooms.

The decision comes after revisions to the initial proposal, which had included installing large Islamic-style windows. Council officials objected to the design, arguing it would contrast sharply with the traditional street scene. The updated plan generated only two objections, compared to 29 for the original submission.

Naz Shah, agent for the Urban Future Planning Consultancy, welcomed the decision: “Our client, a local community Place of Worship which has been part of the Blackburn community for decades, has received a positive outcome from the council’s planning committee panel in their bid for expansion.”

The mosque, located on Stansfeld Street near Blackburn town centre, has long been a spiritual and educational hub for Muslims in the area. First granted planning approval in 1983 for weekly religious education, the site has since expanded its madrassa activities and served generations of worshippers.

A planning report noted: “The proposals represent a sustainable form of development that will deliver a number of social benefits. The anticipated average daily attendance for prayers is around 25, with the majority of users attending on foot.”

However, the approval came with conditions, including a ban on amplified calls to prayer from the site.

Source: Lancashire Telegraph

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