THE long-awaited demolition of a former pub is set to be discussed by the planning committee tomorrow.

The Brierfield public house in Blackburn Road would be knocked down if the plans by a local mosque are given the go ahead.

The fenced-off building, which has been closed for more than three years, would be flattened to make way for a new Islamic community facility.

Town hall planners have recommended that councillors approve the application, according to a report by officers.

In the report, members of the planning committee are reminded that, at this stage, they will only be voting on whether the building can be knocked down.

Further details of the redevelopment are set to be revealed at a later stage, according to the application.

But Masjid-e-Salaam Trust, which is currently based elsewhere in Astley Bridge, has already said that the centre would incorporate a Madrassah and prayer hall.

A spokesman said: "We are hopeful that the demolition application can be approved and that steps can be taken towards redeveloping the site for the benefit of the whole community."

A total of 152 letters of objection have been sent to the council raising concerns about the loss of a "historic" building which "adds character" to the area.

The Old English revival style building was originally home to the daughter of William Mather, a textile factory manager of Park Terrace, Eagley Bank.

It is believed to have be built at the beginning of the 20th century. Following a series of extensions, it was converted to a public house around 1980.

The planning committee is due to discuss and vote on five applications in total at tomorrow's meeting.

The demolition of the Brierfield pub in Astley Bridge is at the top of the agenda.

Plans for the future of a gym, once used by British boxing champion Tyson Fury, will also be debated.

The Robin Hood Inn in Halliwell Road could be converted into a cafe if the plans get the green light.

Councillors will also decide whether to grant planning permission for a single-storey extension at Eagley Infant School in Stonesteads Drive.

If approved, the extension would facilitate a new community room.

Ladybridge High School is also seeking planning permission.

A total of eight portable "modular" classrooms require temporary consent.

An application relating to the retaining wall at a housing development in Horwich is the last item on the agenda.

It involves resiting one of the plots on the land off Crown Lane.

An application for a zero-carbon home in Egerton has been deferred.