PLANS to flatten a derelict pub with a troubled past and build a new community facility made up of a mosque and small businesses have been approved.

The Newby Square pub on Bowling Old Lane has been empty since it was stripped of its licence in 2016 following a 100-person strong brawl.

Last year, Bradford-based charity Firdaws Islamic Centre revealed plans to transform the decaying site by building a three-storey building that would include a mosque and teaching facilities, as well as a small barbers’ shop, café and bakery.

A planning application by the charity said: “The proposed centre is designed to respond to the local challenges around anti-social behaviour, cohesion and attainment, as well as providing Islamic congregational prayer and teaching.”

It added: “The proposed facility will act as both a place of worship for the local Muslim population, as well as offering services to the wider community.

“These include multicultural teaching facilities, tuition clubs, migrant support services, function rooms and community retail units.”

Designed by Bradford-based Yeme Architects, the application describes the building as “a modern interpretation of a mosque.”

The plans have now been approved by Bradford Council.

Planning officers said the building would have a similar use to the neighbouring building – the Light Of The World Gospel Church.

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They said the small businesses that included in the application “are not anticipated to prejudice the use of the neighbouring church and community centre as a result of noise or disturbance.”

There will be a 19-space car park on the site, and highways officers said this would be adequate for the day to day use of the centre.

They acknowledged that there may be a greater parking need during Friday prayers or at religious festivals, but officers said there was available on street parking in the area to cope with this.

Conditions of the application include that the business units shut by 9pm, and that there be no amplified call to prayer.

The Newby Square was shut following a Bradford Council licensing hearing in 2016. At that meeting it was revealed that police had to send firearms officers to the pub that January after reports up to 100 people had been involved in fighting, with tables and chairs smashed to be used as weapons.

Police found dozens of empty bottles of spirits on tables and the floor, and it appeared they had been sold to customers for £13 each.

The Council stripped the pub of its licence after that meeting.