Masjid-E-Saliheen, a mosque and Islamic center in Blackburn, has been granted permission to build a kitchen on its premises despite concerns from a nearby resident about noise and traffic. The mosque, located on Didsbury Street in the Audley and Queens Park ward, received approval from Blackburn with Darwen Council to construct a single-storey rear extension to house the kitchen.
The council approved the plans with eight conditions, including requirements for tree replacement and landscaping to enhance the area around the mosque.
While the mosque plans to use the kitchen for community purposes, such as warming food for charity events and preparing cold snacks and drinks, a local resident raised objections. The individual expressed concerns about the mosque’s long operating hours, excessive lighting impacting nearby homes, and heavy traffic, especially on Fridays, when the mosque is busiest. The objector warned that adding a kitchen could worsen congestion, noise, and parking issues in the area.
Despite these concerns, planning officer Jamie Edwards recommended approval of the project. In his report, he noted that the Masjid-E-Saliheen mosque and Islamic education center provides vital services to the local Muslim community. The new kitchen will be a modest addition, measuring approximately eight meters in depth and 15.25 meters in width, with a hipped roof standing 3.8 meters high.
“The proposal involves a small extension to the rear of the building, designed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure,” Edwards said. It will improve the overall appearance of the mosque and its surroundings.”
The Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd, which submitted the planning application in April, emphasized the mosque’s commitment to offering extra-curricular activities, including cooking classes, and improving its facilities to better serve the community. The applicant also pledged to use high-quality, locally-sourced materials in the construction.
With the council’s approval, Masjid-E-Saliheen can now move forward with the kitchen project, which aims to enhance its ability to support charity and community events.
