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.