One of Bolton’s longest established Indian restaurants is the subject of plans to transform it into a community prayer-room and education centre.

Plans have been submitted in the past week to convert the Lagan’s restaurant premises in Broadway, Ladybridge, Bolton.

The restaurant has been established since early 2006 and in early 2022 underwent and extensive revamp with a theme of dim lights and dark walls with cherry blossom trees around the dining room.

A design and access statement, on behalf of applicant Mr A Patel of Raisfuel Ltd, states: “The building for which the change of use approval is required is currently used as an Indian restaurant.

“The current lease runs until mid 2024 and will not be renewed. The application premises forms part of a wider large mixed use precinct with a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy and other shop and commercial units at ground floor level.

“Residential accommodation is located at the upper levels. The ‘precinct’ has recently been purchased by a local businessman who lives with his extended family within the Ladybridge community.

“The long term vision for the precinct is to provide improved community facilities with associated aesthetic upgrades.”

The application said the demographics of the local community had changed over the last 25 years, with a shift towards families with Asian heritage, mainly with Islamic beliefs.

The statement, adds: “This is reflected in the differing and developing needs for community provision. This application would propose to change the use of the building to cover a variety of community uses, falling within different use classes.”

The statement said the building would provide of education from Monday to Friday from 5pm – 7pm.

Attendees would be children between the ages of five and 13 with maximum numbers of 50 during peak periods.

Public worship or religious instruction will take place seven days a week with the peak time expected to be Friday when up to 100 people could attend.

During winter prayers take place at varying times between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

During summer prayers take place at varying times between the hours of 4.30am and 11.30pm. Planners at Bolton Council will consider the application in the coming weeks.