Members of Pendle Council's Nelson Committee approved an application from the Fountains of Knowledge group to convert a disused workshop in Norfolk Street into a school for 120 pupils.

The nearest Islamic faith school at the moment is in Blackburn.

The application was opposed by a number of local businesses, including brothers Glen and John Little who operate transport and coachbuilding businesses near the proposed school site and asked how the school might affect access for their heavy and long vehicles.

And other residents also asked questions about traffic congestion and the need for another school in an area already served by three primary schools.

Fountains of Knowledge spokesman Sajad Rana said the the organisation had raised £200,000 and carried out repairs to the roof of the building four months ago to illustrate the will in the community behind the venture.

Coun. Mohammed Iqbal said suitable conditions could be imposed to meet the concerns expressed over traffic levels, while Coun. Asjad Mahmood said a proposal to have flexible opening hours at the school would ease congestion problems.

He said there were also proposals from Lancashire County Council for a new primary school in Whitefield.

But Liberal Democrat Coun. Sonia Robinson said some people in the area had not been notified about the proposals and there was huge concern for the safety of children. "There could be a serious accident if this goes ahead," she said.

Members voted in favour of the new school plan by a 6-5 majority.