Third bid to change former Preston pub into Muslim education centre

 

The Acregate Hotel, Preston.

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A third application in five years has been submitted proposing a change of use for a former pub.

The Acregate Hotel in New Hall Lane, central Preston, has been the subject of three planning applications since 2015, all asking for permission to turn the former public house into a religious education centre.

Mr Mazharrudin, the applicant, first lobbied Preston City Council for planning permission in 2015, hoping to set up The Al Qalam Tarbiyah Centre, before following up with another application in 2017.

A third application was submitted on September 10 with additional permission sought for a first floor rear extension, construction of covered walkway and fenestration alterations to the property.

The Al Qalam Tarbiyah Centre is a registered charity aiming to provide religious activities, education and training, and services to people with disabilities, children, young people, and the general public.

The proposed changes to the doors and windows at Acregate.

The only real change to the previous application submitted in 2017 is that Mr Mazharrudin would like to see alterations to the properties fenestration, meaning the arrangement of the windows and doors.

Elevation plans show that Mr Mazharrudin wishes to construct two doorways at the side of the building.

If permission is granted there will be other changes to the former public house including the addition of a covered staircase at the rear of the property.

The staircase will provide direct access to the upper floors from the rear of the building.

A covered walkway will also be constructed, with the rebuilding of the existing ground floor extension to the rear of the property, but there is no change in the footprint of the proposed ground floor rebuild.

If the application is approved, internal layout changes will occur along with the removal of an access door from Acregate Lane that will be replaced by a window.

The ground floor and basement will house a reception area and foyer with a bike rack outside.

The first floor will feature a number of study rooms, toilets and an 'abolution area' while management offices and equipment store rooms will be on the second floor.

There is currently no parking space at the property but if the education centre goes ahead, there will be space for three cars to park on the site.

Previous applications for the pub to be turned into a community centre and a restaurant were both turned down due to parking problems in the area.