A FORMER pub said to be plagued by anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping could be turned into a mosque under new plans.

The Little Harwood Inn, in Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, was a Thwaites Brewery pub until it closed and it has lain empty for several years since then.

In that time, Blackburn-based applicant and Islamic organisation Dawat-e-Islami, said the pub has fallen into a state of severe disrepair.

Under the bid, the building would be used as a mosque and education centre for daily prayers and evening educational classes for children.

Agent Khalid Khan, of Blackburn-based Khalid Khan & Associates, said the plans would bring a dilapidated building back into use.

He said: “The pub has been empty for a number of years now.

“The applicant wants to turn into a mosque and education and community centre.

“There will be a major refurbishment with new windows and a new roof, while equipment will include tables and chairs and computers and TVs.”

Mr Khan said that work to renovate the building would amount to an investment of £150,000.

Subject to planning permission, he hopes that work on the building could start in September with the mosque opening early next year.

He added: “This development would benefit children in the area and bring an a dilapidated building back into use.”

The primary purpose of the mosque and education centre will be five daily prayers and evening educational classes.

It is proposed there will be four classes in total, split over two sessions. Two classes will take place at the first session, 4.30pm to 6.00pm and two classes will take place at the second session, 6.15pm to 7.45pm.

In each class there will be a maximum of 12 children.

There is car parking for 21 cars on the site.

A planning document submitted as part of the application read: “The building has been vacant for a number of years, and attracts anti-social behaviour and fly tipping within the garden, and to some extent has fallen into serious disrepair.

“The building comprises of three storeys, with the principle use being on the ground and first floor with the second floor being used as storage.

“The existing dilapidated outbuilding is to be retained, and partially rebuilt, with a new roof and windows, this will add for storage facilities, and for parking of bikes and cycles.

The document added: “The proposal is to refurbish and renovate the existing building and to bring the building back into community use.”