Expansion plan for Blackburn mosque

One of Blackburn’s largest and oldest Mosques has applied for a major extension to improve facilities at its school for young Muslims. The Jaame Masjid in Cumberland Street wants to put up a new three storey building, a third-storey on an existing one, alter its entrance minarets and provide a bridge walkway from the upper car park to the first floor of the school.

Started in 1962, the mosque had a major extension in 1995 and another in 1998.

It now wants to improve facilities for the 405 students in its madrasa or religious school which provides evening, weekend and holiday classes for youngsters in Islamic teachings. There will be 16 new classrooms and a new library.

It has submitted a planning application for the improvements and extension to Blackburn with Darwen council. (...)