Councillors in Oswestry will be asked to make comments on fresh proposals to establish a Muslim Centre in the town centre tonight (Wednesday).

The plans, to convert The Citadel, a former Salvation Army building, in 2 King Street, are currently with Shropshire Council with a consultation period open until Thursday, October 3 for people in the town to give their views.

The move to convert the building – which had permission for a cinema two years ago – represents a second attempt in six years to establish a base in Oswestry for the religion, following the Oswestry Muslim Society’s efforts, headed by local businessman George Miah, at the former Presbyterian Church in Oswald Road.

But despite winning approval, the project was abandoned because of escalating costs.

However, this new planning application, submitted by Zacharia Chowdhury, says the plans intend to return the building to community use with the congregation coming from the Oswestry area.

The planning application states: “The proposed change of use will bring the vacant building back into community use and enable the retention of the visual character of the building.

“The building has relevance as a heritage asset and sits well within the character of the traditional buildings in King Street. This application will ensure the retention and enhancement of the building within the Conservation Area is maintained and retained for community and generations of the future.

It also states: The congregation generally resides within the wider Oswestry and district area.

“The centre will at undetermined times of the year be used to hold community meetings and social gatherings. There will be no external noise calling the congregation to prayer.

“Prayers will be held five times a day in accordance with the Muslim calendar. Twice a year, early morning prayers are held, one for the festival of Eid-Ul Adah and the other for the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitre. In addition, once a year Ramadam is celebrated at midnight.”

The item is one of four planning applications to be put forward for to the Development and Planning Committee at the meeting in the Guildhall.

Other items for discussion include a single-storey rear extension and garage in Victoria Road; the replacement of windows in Beatrice Street and incorporating internal floorspace at Smithfield Market.

Prior to the planning meeting,t here will also be an Amenities committee meeting, also at the Guildhall with plans for the Oswestry Olympians 10k up for discussion, as well as the Rotary Tree of Light, among other items on a packed agenda.