Plans to build a mosque along with an education centre, community hall, and nursery on the site of a former pub are set to come before Bolton Council's planning committee today.

The Masjid-e-Salaam Madrassah Trust plan to relocate from their current site 200 yards away on Ramsay Street to a new two-storey building on Blackburn Road, Sharples.

This site used to house the Brierfield Hotel pub, but was closed in 2016, before being completely demolished in early 2020.

The building would comprise two floors and a basement and would be a multi-use building, containing an education centre, a prayer facility, a community hall and a children's nursery with 37 car parking spaces and 14 bicycle spaces.

A council report on the application adds: "The applicant is proposing that the rear car park would be managed to allow for 'double parking' (parking outside the spaces) during peak usage times (principally Friday prayer)."

Vehicles would access the site from the existing access point on Blackburn Road.

The application received 74 letters of objection from members of the public including concerns about parking and traffic.

However, it received 136 letters of support saying it will enhance the character and appearance of the area, and it will bring back a site that is currently an eyesore.

Mohammed Patel, secretary of the trust, said when their plans were finalised: “This marks a significant milestone for our investment in the local area and will help us relocate from the current facility in Ramsay Street where we have been for over 20 years.

"We have been working with Bradshaw Gass & Hope, a Bolton firm, who have taken our brief to create a contemporary, sustainable facility that meets needs of the community, and not just for faith-based activities.

“We take pride in identifying ourselves as Boltonians, and the active role we play in the wider community.

"We are excited about the possibilities this development will open up for all of us and look forward to welcoming the wider community at our new facility."

Council officers recommended that the application is approved by members of the council's planning committee.

A planning offers report said: "It is also considered that the proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the area, would not unduly harm the amenity of neighbours, would safeguard and enhance the biodiversity of the site, and would not increase the risk of flooding. It is considered that the community benefits associated with the proposed development would outweigh the less than substantial harm the development would have on the neighbouring listed building at 733 Blackburn Road."