PLANS for a new mosque in Blackburn have been approved -- but a last ditch appeal for permission to use prayer calls was ignored.

The new worship hall will be built next to an Islamic college in Moss Street, near to the River Blakewater.

Members of the planning and highways committee approved the plan, despite objections from residents who claimed that it would make the already-congested street even worse.

Moss Street is already home to a community centre and a busy garage, and is regularly congested when the trains pass over a level crossing on the road, residents claimed.

But Coun Yusuf Jan Virmani said: "The mosque will not make the road any busier.

"It has its own car parking. Residents do not have a problem parking now and they will not in the future.

"I would also ask committee for permission to partially lift the ban on using calls to prayer at this mosque.

"Part of the area is residential and I do not think making prayer calls at lunchtime and teatime will disturb residents."

Coun Dave Smith said: "It is a policy across the area not to permit prayer calls and I think the same should be applied here."

Coun Frank Connor, the planning chairman, said: "The committee voted to pass the application with all the conditions, which means prayer calls cannot be used.

"It is a standard condition which applies to all mosques."

The mosque will be four storeys high, with only the bottom floor being used for worship. The upper three floors will be used for study and teaching.

A four-storey residential college has been on the site since 1994.