Former Dewsbury pub is set to become Islamic education centre

The Nelson Inn in Slaithwaite Road, Thornhill Lees, had been on the market for three years before it closed in March.

Now a planning application has been submitted to Kirklees Council to turn the building into an Islamic education centre and prayer room.

In a letter to support the application Hamish Gledhill, of applicant Acumen Designers & Architects, said the pub had been on the market for three years and closed in March. He wrote: “The last owners were struggling to make a living from it, resulting in the premises being put on the market for sale.

“Nationally the economic viability of public houses has fallen so the chances of a new landlord/landlady for the pub being found seems remote.”

The proposed centre would serve a maximum of 15 students at any one time. Classes would run between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. The building would also be used for prayers by up to 10 adults. The 15-minute sessions take place at times from 5.30am in summer and 7am in winter. Mr Gledhill said it was clear there was no longer a need for a pub in that location.