A former Royal Air Forces Association club in Batley could soon begin a new chapter as a mosque and school, after plans were submitted to Kirklees Council.
The Batley and Birstall RAFA Club previously operated from Broughton House on Cambridge Street, celebrating its 50th anniversary at the site in 2024 before closing last year. The private members’ club was owned by the Royal Air Forces Association, which supports serving and former RAF personnel and their families.
Now, Al Hashim Academy has applied for permission to use the property as a mosque and additional teaching space. The academy already operates from the former technical college building just a short distance away and says the move would allow it to expand classroom provision while relocating its existing place of worship.
Planning documents state that the building had “long-standing maintenance issues” before it closed in May last year, after the RAFA chose not to renew the branch lease. The roof was reportedly damaged and leaking, with more than £200,000 worth of long-term repairs required.
According to the applicant, the property was subsequently sold with no confirmed alternative community use proposals. There was said to have been interest in converting the building into flats or a house in multiple occupation, but these plans did not progress.
The planning statement argues that relocating an existing mosque from a nearby premises makes the proposal “acceptable in principle” and consistent with the council’s Local Plan policies supporting community facilities.
Although Broughton House is not a listed building, it sits within Batley’s Market Place Conservation Area. The site has a long history of religious use, having originally been built as a Christian Brethren Chapel with seating for more than 300 worshippers. It later became an Independent Methodist Chapel before the RAFA club moved in during 1974, after outgrowing its previous premises on Field Lane.
The building currently includes a large lounge area, bar facilities and a first-floor ballroom that previously hosted events. A 46-space public car park sits immediately behind the property.
A decision on the application is expected by 15 April.
The proposal marks a potential shift in use for one of Batley’s historic buildings, from a long-standing social club serving the armed forces community to a new centre for worship and education.
