A MUSLIM group can alter its premises despite protests from residents.

Councillors have given consent for the Cutchi Muslim Association to provide an 18-space car park and an extension to house an improved kitchen, office and sanitary facilities at Newton Street, Blackburn.

The North British Housing Association claimed the homes it owns on nearby Pendle Street were designed for the elderly, who were led to believe there would be peace and quiet.

Residents had already suffered inconvenience from visitors to the mosque, with over-parking, litter and noise and they feared a loss of natural light if the building was increased, the housing association said.

Other residents wrote to Blackburn Council to protest about loss of privacy and light, car parking problems and noise, and 14 signed a petition objecting to the development.

But councillors were told the initial plan was amended to ensure the height of the hall was maintained at the existing level and the size of the proposed extension was reduced.

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