Planning officers have recommended approval for a restaurant to be turned into a prayer room. 

Plans were put in earlier this year for Lagan Restaurant in Ladybridge to be turned into the religious centre. 

Residents raised concerns over the loss of their neighbourhood eatery, as well as added strains on parking in the area and concerns over noise. 

The developer, however, says that it will be a provision for the whole community. 

Now, planning officers have recommended  Bolton Council's planning committee approve the application. 

The plans will be discussed at the planning meeting on June 13, with arguments for and against set to be made. 

A number of residents opposing the application are expected to attend. 

A travel plan framework was submitted as part of the application, with the Highways department raising no objections, and a noise assessment also turned up no issues when reviewed by Environmental Health. 

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The planning report says: "The proposals would fulfil the worship requirements of the local Muslim community and be in a location that would be accessible to its likely users.

"It would also provide a social and community point of contact. Whilst its primary function would be for worship, it would also be available for other members of the local community as a community facility. 

"Places of worship, regardless of their denomination, are open and inclusive because they a community facility." 

It adds: "The amount of public representation and objection (and support) are noted. However, it is not the quantity but rather comments and their material planning considerations that are given weight and considered.

It is noted that there may be some increase in traffic associated and issues of noise have been raised. However, these issues have been addressed as part of the application, and subject to conditions would not result in significant harm." 

Bill Bradbury is one of the residents who is against the development. 

He said: "Tensions are likely to be high with a number of angry Ladybridge residents likely to attend the meeting." 

He echoed concerns about traffic and parking issues, saying: "There are 265 members of Ladybridge Against Broadgate who funded a report which concluded 'there are reasonable grounds for refusal from a highway perspective'.

"This was supported by resident John Higson, a former GMP Police Inspector in charge of an Area Traffic Unit." 

He also highlighted duplication of facilities, with the Masjid Ali prayer room nearby, as well as the loss of the restaurant and concerns about noise. 

Asif Patel, the owner of the building and applicant, says that the development will be a force for good. 

He said: "I think the most important thing here is while there are some residents against it, there are Muslim residents who support it. 

"We pride ourselves on inclusivity. 

"The proposed application is not merely a place of worship but a stable commitment to being a place where everyone has freedom to practice their faith and show their cultural heritage. 

"The application will provide essential services such as language classes, youth programs, support for the elderly and aid to those in need."