A former suburban pub in Blackburn is set to be repurposed as a mosque under newly submitted planning proposals, aiming to place a vacant building back into active community use.

The Hare and Hounds pub on Lammack Road, which closed in October, has been earmarked for conversion into an Islamic place of worship, Lancashire Telegraph reported.

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The proposal has been put forward by the Lammack Community Association, which is seeking to relocate its current worship facility from Whinney Lane, located opposite the site.

The submitted plans outline that the ground floor of the building would be dedicated to prayer space, while a new single-storey side extension would provide WC and ablution facilities, as well as a main entrance.

The first floor would be used for supporting facilities, including a library, study room, and kitchen.

A supporting statement from Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd said the opportunity arose following the closure of the pub, which had struggled financially for some time.

“The association has outgrown their current accommodation, and an opportunity has arisen to acquire the vacant public house,” the statement said.

According to the documents, the plans include “the formation of a parking area along the side elevation of the building” and are intended to ensure the site functions effectively as a place of worship.

“The proposed use would put the vacant building to effective use, one that serves the local community,” the statement added.

“The proposals simply seek to relocate the Lammack Community Association into new premises without materially increasing the number of congregation members.”

The application will be considered by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council as part of the local planning process.