A PROPERTY in Manningham can continue operating as a mosque, despite planning permission never having been granted for that use.

Liaqat Hussain had applied to Bradford Council to allow the use of the property, on Jesmond Avenue, as a mosque. He said the property, part of a row of terrace houses, had been used for this purpose for at least 12 years - long enough for the council to deem the use as lawful and allow it to continue.

The council approved the use of the building as a madrassa in the late 80s, but it has never been given planning permission for use as a mosque.

In his application he provided signed responses from six people who said they have used the mosque for the past 12 years.

A report by planning officers said there was no strong evidence the council could provide that the building has not been used as a mosque for this time period, and so granted a certificate of lawfulness.