AN ISLAMIC teaching centre is looking to expand.

Dar-Ul-Aloom Teaching Centre, in Leyland Road, Burnley, teaches children aged five to 15.

The teaching and learning at the centre includes Islamic studies, Quran teaching and Arabic lessons. 

The centre at 141 Leyland Road has been teaching the mainly Muslim children of the community for the past 38 years.

But the centre now wants to expand into neighbouring buildings on the terrace street which it has acquired during the past five years.

The centre has applied for permission to Burnley Council to change the use of two houses at numbers 143 and 145 to incorporate the properties into the existing teaching centre.

In planning documents on behalf of the Dar-Ul-Aloom Teaching Centre, agent Lumitekton Ltd, said the plans aim to improve ‘teaching facilities’.

They said: “The proposed development would ensure a continuation of the community facility within the immediate local area whilst also providing further quality space.

“The new larger premises would be designed purposefully to improve the teaching facilities and be more up to date with the needs of the children.

The teaching centre would be an after-school community facility teaching religious studies separate to those taught within the national curriculum. 
The classes would start at 5pm and finish at 6.30pm, while the maximum capacity of the centre would be 60 to 70 children.

Lumitekton Ltd added: “The development would provide a larger improved facility for the local community which ould bring a positive contribution and better services into the local area of Burnley without creating a significant detrimental impact on the amenity of the local residents.”

Planning officers at Burnley Council have delegated powers for the plans, which means they will not have to be considered by planners.