PLANS to build a new mosque on the site of a long derelict pub have been approved by Bradford Council.

The Fountain Pub in Heaton has been derelict for years, with various plans to redevelop the site failing to come to fruition.

On Thursday members of the Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee approved a plan to demolish the Heaton Road pub and build a mosque and community centre in its place.

Submitted by the Jamia Usmania, the new building would replace an existing mosque, which is a short distance from the pub site.

The purpose build mosque would include a dome and minaret, and have parking for 24 cars.

Planning officer Ross Hallam told members that the former pub was currently in “a state of disrepair” and that much of its roof was now missing.

If approved, one condition would be that the existing mosque, at 394 Heaton Road, would have its use restricted to that of a Madrassah.

Highways officers had raised concerns that the mosque could lead to cars parking on residential streets, so one condition of the application is that a residents’ parking scheme be introduced around the site.

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There had been 12 objections to the plans, but 29 letters and a petition signed by 125 people in support of the development.

At the meeting Councillor Nussrat Mohammed (Lab, Heaton) said: “We have a young population in Heaton and there are a lot of young families. We need a facility like this.

“There will be space dedicated to not just for religious purposes, but also as a community setting.

“There is going to be a dedicated space for women, something that is very important in the times we’re living in. other mosques in the area don’t have these types of facility.”

Councillor Kamran Hussain (Lab, Toller) told the meeting that the site - much of which is taken up by a large car park, had suffered from anti social behaviour and drug misuse in recent years. He added: “Bringing this site back into uses for a good purpose should be a welcome story for this district.”

Chair of the Committee Councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) pointed out that there were no electric vehicle charging points included in the plan. He said if the application was approved, at least two should be provided.

Members unanimously voted to approve the application.