A Muslim group has submitted plans to revamp a Gravesend mosque by building more space for a wash and funeral room.

The Gravesend & Dartford Muslim Association has applied to extend the first floor at the temple in Albion Terrace over fears the building is not fit for purpose.

Representatives from the group want to add an ablution area, where worshippers can wash before prayers, and a funeral space room.

They also want to build an external staircase at the back of the building, new windows and a new porch area with minaret columns at the front.

The Messenger contacted the association for comment on the latest set of plans, but no one was available.

Previously, the group submitted an application, lodged in September 2010, for minarets on the building, formerly the Phoenix Arms pub.

Back then, the association’s secretary Akham Malik told the council a minaret would not be used to call people to pray, as is its traditional use, but to make it look like a mosque.

That application also asked for an enlarged prayer room, but was met with opposition by neighbours on the grounds it would lead to increased noise and cause further parking problems. Despite the fears, the application was approved.

However, the strength of complaints led Mohammad Ejaz Aslam, chairman of the association, to write to council bosses to respond to concerns.

Mr Aslam told the authority that the building needed more space because they had struggled to cater for Friday prayers and major Muslim festivals.

An overspill of people led to some reading prayers outside on the street while “disgruntled” women would not attend.

The group also gathered 139 signatures on a petition in support of the application.

A consultation on the latest proposals will expire on Thursday, September 3, with Gravesham council’s planning committee to make a decision by October 5.

The Gravesend & Dartford Muslim Association formed in 1970 and bought the former pub in 1982. The building acts as a mosque as well as an inter-faith education centre for children to learn about Islam, and a diversity training base for police officers.