A SECOND plan for a large mosque in the Blackburn area looks set to be thrown out by councillors.

The original plans for the mosque in Bastwell were delayed amid fears the building would be out of keeping with the surrounding residential area.

Planning bosses from Blackburn with Darwen Council have been holding talks with the leaders from the Muslim Hanfi Sunni Association in a bid to iron out the problems surrounding the Oak Street building.

But the negotiations appear to have failed and officials are urging members of the planning sub-committee to refuse the resubmitted application.

The association originally asked for permission to build the mosque and madressa, or religious school, complete with a 50ft tower.

The group, who also run a mosque in Randal Street, were asked to take another look at the plans. The aim was to make the mosque less intrusive on neighbouring properties and make the building smaller.

The building has been reduced in size in the latest plans but the building is still seen as too large for the surrounding area.

About 100 worshippers would visit the mosque at different times of the day and highways experts say there are not enough parking spaces on the plans.

No objections have been sent to the town hall even though all the neighbouring houses and businesses were asked for their views.

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