PLANS for a new Muslim centre have been submitted to the Westmorland and Furness Council.

Mr H Burrows has put forward proposals to change the use of the shop with offices in Kendal.

The site at 185 Highgate is located in the conservation area of the town.

The proposals highlight the 'local need' for a dedicated communal and religious facility for the Muslim population in the South Lakeland area.

It said: "It is common for Muslims who work in the area to travel to and from towns and cities in the North of England e.g. North Lancashire and West Yorkshire where Muslim communities are better catered for.

"The Community Centre would offer the community a hub and 'safe space' where prayers may be offered and religious practices observed. As such it will be an asset to the area adding to diversity and understanding."

The application’s heritage design and access statement said:  "Other than the removal of an internal stud wall, like-for-like replacement of the guarding to the external steps to the rear yard and internal redecoration there will be no physical alterations undertaken to the building.

"The building will be used by a maximum of 40 people over five gatherings for prayers each day, religious education and small social gatherings. It is anticipated that most services and gatherings will not exceed 25 or so people. Where numbers are anticipated to be greater a second service or gathering will be introduced.

"Depending on the time of year and on religious festivals at particular times of the year the hours of use will be from approximately 2.30am to midnight."

In summer, prayers will take place at Fajr (dawn), 2.34am, Duhur (noon), 1.17pm, Asr (mid-afternoon), 5.41pm, Maghrib (sunset), 9.52pm and Ishah (night time), 11.09pm.

In winter, prayers will go ahead at Fajr (dawn), 2.34am, Duhur (noon), 12.19pm, Asr (mid-afternoon), 1.42pm, Maghrib (sunset), 4pm and Ishah (night time), 5.35pm.

Prayers will last an hour and there will be no external call to prayer, plans said.

The target decision date is October 26. To view the full planning application visit the Westmorland and Furness planning portal with the number SL/2023/0653.