CONCERNS have been raised over plans for Cumbria’s first dedicated Muslim prayer hall after objectors claimed badgers had been spotted on the site.

Planning permission is being sought by South Lakes Islamic Centre to build the religious centre off Ulverston Road, Dalton.

Opponents to the controversial scheme said it should be rejected on the grounds that families of badgers and setts had been spotted on the grounds.

Allan Whittaker said he and other residents had also 'raised concerns mainly about the project being on a greenfield site, as well as there being problems with parking and pollution that could arise if this goes ahead'.

Mr Whittaker said he had included the complaint over potential harm to protected wildlife in his letter of objection to Barrow Council.

Fifty Dalton residents attended a council meeting this week where they aired concerns regarding the plans.

Some echoed Mr Whittaker’s objections to the plans at the meeting on the basis that the proposed land was a greenfield site.

However, a representative from Manchester-based County Planning Limited, which is advising the group on the application, said it was in fact a brownfield site.

The letter, sent to The Mail and Dalton Town Council, said: "The site is broadly classified as ‘species-poor amenity grassland’ which means the land is not considered to be likely to be home to any protected or otherwise rare plant or animal species.”

The letter added: "The exact details will be subject to planning conditions to be agreed by the council’s planning department.

"Due to the faith of Islam’s requirement to worship in relation to sunlight and sunset hours, there will necessarily be a requirement for some flexibility in hours of use. However, I can confirm that there will be no music or instruments played during anti-social hours and having discussed it with the South Lakes Islamic Centre representatives, they are keen to reassure the community of its members intentions not any cause unnecessary disturbance to local residents at any time."

Another council meeting is set to take place at the Station Road town hall on December 2 at 7pm.