A planning application to transform a vacant Barking pub into a worship space is in the consultation stage. 

The Jolly Fisherman, in North Street, has caught the attention of a religious charity, which has applied to turn the site into a community focused place of worship. 

The pub has sat vacant since 2019, but a proposal by the Ahlul Istiqamah Trust UK has shown a desire to reimagine the site. 

Barking and Dagenham Post: The plans come as the charity's current site in Barking is close to maximum capacity.The plans come as the charity's current site in Barking is close to maximum capacity. (Image: Google Maps)

Its planning application details hopes to "provide a new community use in the form of a place of worship with multi use facilities" at the site. 

Due to the close proximity of the site to Barking station (around 0.4 miles), the plans propose a car-free development, with designated cycle parking. 

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The request comes as changing Muslim demographics in Barking means the group's current site in Broadway has almost reached worshipper capacity.

The locally listed Victorian pub was subject to a planning application for a retail unit and housing at the site, but this was refused in 2020. 

The planning application is estimated to cost up to £2 million and, if approved, works are expected to start and complete in 2024.