PLANS for the first dedicated prayer space for Muslims in south Cumbria have been lodged with council bosses.

A community centre and prayer hall could be built in Dalton if plans are approved.

It would situated at Crooklands Brow in Ulverston Road.

A design and access statement making up the plans said: “The proposal is to construct a two storey community centre and prayer hall.

“There is currently no dedicated place of prayer of any sufficient size in the south of Cumbria for the Muslim community.

“The purpose of the newly-established South Lakes Islamic Centre organisation is to provide a building that offers public prayer space for the Muslim community based in south Cumbria.

“It is also proposed to provide a public community space, which will have the aim of providing a platform for community integration; operating an open door policy in order to engage with the wider community and share with the local people the various cultures belonging to the religion of Islam.

“The ground floor of the building will provide for a central community hall, welfare facilities, storage rooms, plant and stair/lift access.”

The plans say the building materials used will be in-keeping with the local area.

The proposed building would measure 26 metres in width and eight metres in depth.

There would be space for 12 cars and as well as two motorbikes in the adjacent car park.

A number of houses on the road have been consulted with on the plans, along with Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic School.

After consultation the plans are due to be assessed.

Then an officers’ report will be issued, before the proposals are ultimately decided on by Barrow Borough Council’s planning committee.

Members of Dalton Town Council are also due to be consulted with on the proposals.

Councillors said they had not seen the plans so could not comment.

The proposals could be among the planning applications up for discussion at the next meeting of the town council at the beginning of next month.