Worship and rear extension at 84-86 & 88 Stansfeld Street, Blackburn

“Proposed development: Full Planning Application for Change of use from Retail to Place of Worship providing an extension to the existing adjoining Place of Worship with erection of double storey rear extension and external alterations…”

“The application site relates to a pair of terraced properties situated on the western side of Stansfeld Street and opposite the junction with Dickinson Close, Blackburn. Masjid Quwatul Islam and Madrassa Talium Islam currently operates from No.84-86 Stansfeld Street. The adjoining property to the south (i.e. No.88 Stansfeld Street) currently lies vacant, albeit its lawful use is a retail shop which was previously occupied as a second-hand furniture store.”

“The wider terrace row are all two storey properties sharing a comparable ridge height with the exception of No.88 which protrudes above. These properties are also relatively uniform in appearance by virtue of facing external materials fenestration detail and roof profiles. Although, No.88 does break this mould with a large shop front opening at ground floor.”

“This proposal is in the form a full planning application relating to the proposed change of use of a retail shop to a place of worship forming an extension to an existing mosque and madrassa use. No.86 Stansfeld Street was granted planning approval in 1983 for the religious education and a meeting place for Muslims once a week.”

“As such, the above evidence adequately demonstrates that the place of worship element at 84-86 Stansfeld Street has become lawful through the passage of time i.e. in continuous use for well in excess of the requisite 10-year period. The proposed works as part of this application also involves the erection of a two- storey rear extension, replacement window / door detailing and associated internal reconfiguration.”

“In assessing this full application there are a wide range of important material considerations that need to be taken into account, which include the following:”

“Principle of the Development • Residential Amenity • Design / Character and Appearance • Highways / Accessibility and Transportation • Biodiversity Net Gain…”

“Already significant number of mosques located within the Borough. • Noise disturbance and unsociable operating hours. • Inadequate parking and traffic issues. • Loss of light and overshadowing, de-valuation of properties.”

“Transport Assessment/Traffic Impact/Parking The submitted ‘Planning, Design & Access and Transport Statement’ makes much of the existence of a Class E(a) use for the site, arguing that a change to Class F use would have minimal impact on the highway network.”

“Objection – Robert Anthony Monk, 82 Stansfeld Street, Blackburn, BB2 2NG. Received: 23/04/2025. My objections are as follows: Loss of daylight/sunlight and overshadowing. Parking, as on busy junction on a one way street with double yellow lines opposite. Highway safety and traffic. Noise. Appearance. Government policy. Proposals In the development plan. Value of property. The size of the extension is already blocking my daylight out.”

“Planning number 10/13/0862. Even Jack straw says there is no need to have mosques in residential streets now. And that was in 2012. We have even more mosques now to attend in Blackburn, with the biggest mosque in Europe just nearing completion just up on Preston new road. Beautiful mosque at that. Also Harrison street got refused a mosque in 2024. This only had 20 worshippers.”

“Decision under Town and Country Planning Acts and Regulations –”

“RESOLVED – Approved subject to the conditions highlighted in the Director’s Report.”