Blackburn Mosque Extension Approved, Entrance Changes Get Retroactive Review
The entrance to the Issa brothers £5million landmark new mosque in Blackburn has been altered and improved councilors will be told on Thursday.
They will be asked to give backdated approval for the change to the secondary vehicle access to the Masjid E Vali on Preston New Road from Billinge End Road.
The mosque on the site of the former Westholme Nursery school is being built by the Issa Foundation a family charity run by the EG Group founders, brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa.
The main vehicle entrance will remain the original access from Preston New Road and the application to be debated confirms that improved sightlines for that access are now as previously agreed.
On Thursday evening Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee will be recommended to approve the change to a condition of the original approval dating from March 2021.
The alterations also include modifications to the car parking arrangements.
A report from borough planning manager Gavin Prescott says: “Construction of the development has been ongoing for a number of years and all conditions attached to the grant of planning permission required to be discharged prior to commencement of development have been appropriately discharged, and the developer contribution secured by a section 106 agreement has been paid.
“The changes proposed under this application have already been implemented.
“Members are recommended to approve this application, detailed assessment of which finds the proposed amendments to be acceptable.
“The application site is located on Preston New Road, at its junction with Billinge End Road, Blackburn and was previously occupied by Westholme Infant and First School, prior to them relocating.
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“Access arrangements have been submitted with this application in advance of the original condition re Preston New Road being discharged.
“The council’s highways consultee is supportive of the access and is in agreement that this condition is discharged under this application.
“The site access to Billinge End Road has been amended by means of removing a section of the stone wall fronting the carriageway and formation of widened splays.
“Pillars at the access are now set into the site.
“The works are beneficial from a safety perspective by providing extended visibility of oncoming traffic in both directions for traffic leaving the site.
“A tree was proposed to be removed to facilitate the amendment.
“Members are advised that the Billinge End Road access will remain as a secondary access to the primary access at Preston New Road.
“It will serve only for vehicles access / egressing the section of car park adjacent to Billinge End Road, comprising 19 bays.”
Source: Central.radio
