Council urges redesign of mosque plans on Milkstone Road

Monday, 26 January 2026 09:27

By David Murphy

A Rochdale mosque has been advised to rethink its redevelopment proposals to better reflect the heritage of the building and surrounding area.

Plans to redesign the front of the Jamia Masjid Chashtiah Mosque on Milkstone Road have been described as “discordant” and “a missed opportunity” by Rochdale Council’s own design officer, who recommended the application be withdrawn.

The mosque, housed in a former Co-operative building dating back to 1872, has applied to replace its windows, install solar panels, and add a white render finish, canopy and minaret. The council considers the site a non-designated heritage asset due to its historical links with the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers.

In a detailed planning response, the council’s design officer raised concern that the proposals fail to respond to the historical significance and urban setting of the building, which stands next to the Curtain Theatre. The report said the plans “mimic a North African mosque typology” in a way that “sits uncomfortably” in its local context.

The officer criticised the removal of original brickwork in favour of rendering, and said that traditional features such as banding and cills had been downgraded or omitted. The proposed mock mashrabiya – a decorative wooden screen – was singled out as an example of “superficial references” that risked poor craftsmanship and an inappropriate aesthetic.

The proposed minaret was also labelled unsuitable due to its scale and lack of proportion in relation to the host building.

Instead, the officer suggested the mosque should work alongside the council and local partners to revise the design as part of the wider regeneration plans for Milkstone Road. This includes façade improvements at the Curtain Theatre, which is currently being repainted in red and fitted with new lighting and signage.

The report advised: “It would be far more beneficial for any façade improvements to be developed in tandem with the planned regeneration works for the street... where a coordinated approach could produce a more coherent and contextually sensitive outcome.”

Despite the criticism, the application is still under consideration.

In its supporting documents, Garry Miller Heritage Consultancy defended the mosque’s plans, noting the building’s architectural value had been diminished by previous alterations. It stated the current proposals “preserve the historical interest” of the site while enhancing its community role.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Eamonn O’Brien applies for Labour selection in Gorton and Denton

The leader of Bury Council, Eamonn O’Brien, has applied to be selected as the Labour candidate for the Gorton and Denton parliamentary constituency, it's understood.
Andy Burnham block could shape Labour’s future, says political expert

Labour’s decision to prevent Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election could have serious national consequences, according to a leading political academic.
GMP chief backs 'FBI-style' National Police Service in long-overdue reform

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has thrown his weight behind government plans to create a US-style national crime-fighting agency, calling the overhaul of policing structures “bold” and “decades overdue”.
Burnham’s next steps laid out as he will appear before four committees in wake of by-election block

Andy Burnham will appear before four committees in the days after he tried to become the Gorton and Denton MP.
Man charged after arson attack at Bury house

A man has been charged following an arson attack at a property in Bury earlier this month, police have confirmed.
Burnham issues message to MPs after Gorton and Denton decision

Andy Burnham has issued a message to Labour MPs after his bid to become the Gorton and Denton MP this morning.
Burnham has "full focus" on Mayor of Greater Manchester role

Andy Burnham says his "full focus" is on his job as Mayor of Greater Manchester, after being blocked in his bid to become an MP.
Man arrested after four-vehicle crash in police chase

A man in his 20s has been arrested following a police pursuit that ended in a dramatic four-vehicle collision on Whitlees Road in Rochdale.
Housing landlord secures huge £55m funding

A social housing provider has secured £55m to invest in Rochdale regeneration projects. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has been on a funding freeze from the government ever since it was hit with a regulatory notice in December 2022.
Major milestone in Prestwich travel hub project

A major infrastructure project in Prestwich is nearing completion. The brand new travel hub, a £14m scheme to create 300 parking spaces and a cycle storage site, celebrated its ‘topping off’ ceremony – meaning the basic structure of the building is now complete.
Andy Burnham expresses frustration over Labour NEC ruling

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he is disappointed by Labour’s decision to block him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by election and has questioned how the party is being run.
Endless frustration as Littleborough traffic goes from bad to worse

Bumper to bumper traffic, queues with huge delays and endless frustration. These are the usual issues associated with Littleborough.