Mosque expansion given the green light

Friday, 19 December 2025 10:55

By George Lythgoe

The planned expansion of a mosque in the heart of Rochdale will go ahead.

The Jalalia Jaame Mosque will expand and remodel their building as part of a ‘legacy project’ for the community. The Trafalgar Street site has grown in size and popularity since it was built back in the 1970s, so the mosque wants to transform to better suit the needs of the area.

The current dome and minaret will be removed and replaced with a more modern design and new minaret, the planning committee meeting on December 18 was told.

The proposals also include a first floor extension; a lift and two stairways; improved common area facilities; and a small addition to the main prayer space are all proposed inside the building.

Local councillor speaking in favour of the development, Coun Iftikhar Ahmed, told the committee in Number One Riverside: “This will deliver clear and substantial benefits. It’s creating a modern facility that meets the evolving needs of the community.

“This will help with education for children and young people.”

Coun Ahmed went on to explain this plan would provide better facilities for women, as there are currently no separate changing facilities at the site.

The scheme was deemed ‘overdevelopment’ by council planning officers, who recommended the proposal be thrown out. Officers felt the new mosque would be negatively dominant over the surrounding residential area.

However, the planning committee believed the issues raised by officers already exist, so would not impact local residents further.

Representatives from the mosque explained how the design of the new building would bring sustainable methods with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and better thermal insulation.

Committee member Coun Sameena Zaheer added: “This will create opportunities for those who were missing out before like children and women.”

Coun Phil Burke wanted to add conditions to the plans before approval was granted, which would be obscuring views from the windows and an investigation into the traffic impact on the road next to the entrance of the site. This could lead to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and double yellow lines imposed on Nile Street.

After agreeing additional conditions committee overruled planning officers’ recommendation of refusal, saying this plan would be beneficial to the community.

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

Changes to council services for Christmas and New Year

Changes to opening times over the Christmas and New Year holidays mean most non-critical Rochdale Borough Council services will not be available from 4pm on Wednesday 24 December until Friday 2 January.
OMD to headline major music event at Rochdale Town Hall Square in 2026

Synth-pop pioneers to return to their roots with all-star line-up as part of Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
A year of listening, learning and lifting others up

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to offer a few reflections on my first seven months as Mayor of Rochdale.
Local pantries save Rochdale families over £160,000 in essentials and support

Community food pantries across Rochdale are helping hundreds of residents cut their shopping bills while also offering vital emotional and financial support.
Woman, 78, dies after being hit by van on supermarket car park

A 78-year-old woman has died following a collision with a van in a supermarket car park in Oldham.
William Rush, Waterloo Road star and son of Debbie Rush, dies aged 31

Debbie Rush, best known for her role as Anna Windass in Coronation Street, has confirmed the death of her son William Rush at the age of 31.
Two arrested in Middleton dawn raids targeting suspected Oldham drug network

Two men have been arrested following early morning police raids at homes and a business in Royton and Middleton as part of an investigation into a suspected organised crime group distributing class A drugs across the Oldham area.
Julie Murphy named interim chief as councillors question 'five-week delay'

Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive of Rochdale Council has sparked internal questioning within the Rochdale Labour Group raising concerns over a reported five-week delay in escalating serious allegations linked to her department.
Blocks of flats to be built at former care home site

Blocks of flats to be built at former care home site
Nod to area’s past as new 90-home ‘brownfield’ estate launches show homes

A new 90-home estate on a former school site is to be named Scholar’s Park.
Heywood town centre scheme presented to government

A revitalised town square, civic centre and newly improved shopfronts are all in store for Heywood, once a multi-million-pound scheme gets the green light. The Rochdalian town is on its way to receiving a £20m boost, with the Pride in Place plan now submitted to the government by the Heywood Town Board.
Julie Murphy on the line up as interim chief executive at Rochdale Council

Documents seen by Roch Valley Radio confirm that Rochdale Council will be asked to approve Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive, following the suspension of James Binks.