The vacant Hare and Hounds on Lammack Road in Blackburn is to be converted into a mosque and community facility after members of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Planning and Highways Committee approved the change of use.
End of a long local brewing association
The building, which dates back around 226 years, was among the earliest public houses in the Dutton's Brewery group and had been the last remaining pub from that former local brewing empire. It closed in October 2025 after successive efforts to make the business financially viable failed.
New home for a growing congregation
The proposal was brought forward by the Lammack Community Association, which has outgrown its existing, smaller place of worship located nearby. The applicants worked with Urban Future Planning and secured backing from the Issa brothers of the EG Group to pursue the scheme.
"This premises is no longer considered fit for purpose due to its modest size. Therefore, its relocation to the proposal building would provide an expanded and better-quality facility which would continue to cater for the needs of the local Muslim community."
The planning application describes how recent attempts to diversify the pub’s offer — including permission granted in 2024 to add a café — were insufficient to reverse a long-term decline. The applicants refer to demographic changes in the surrounding Beardwood with Lammack ward over the past 25 years as a factor in the pub’s diminished trade.
Works proposed
Permission includes not only the change of use from public house to place of worship but also alterations to the building’s layout. Plans submitted show a new washing area to be constructed wrapping around one side of the property to meet the needs of worshippers.
- Building: Hare and Hounds, Lammack Road
- Age: Approx. 226 years
- Closed: October 2025
- Decision: Approved by Planning and Highways Committee (16 July)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Former use | Public house (Hare and Hounds) |
| Proposed use | Mosque and community facility |
| Supporting bodies | Lammack Community Association, Urban Future Planning, EG Group support |
The outcome brings an end to the site’s long life as a commercial pub and begins a new chapter as a religious and community hub for local Muslims. The council’s approval follows consideration of the building’s condition, previous efforts to re-let the premises and the congregation’s need for larger facilities.
Residents and regular users of both the previous pub and the community association may expect further detail in coming weeks about the timetable for conversion and any planning conditions attached to the decision. The committee’s approval clears the way for architects and contractors to prepare detailed works and for the community association to relocate to a larger base within the same neighbourhood.
