AN old pub could become the new home of the Colchester Islamic Community Centre.

The group has applied to Colchester Council to take on the ground floor of the old Beehive pub in Bromley Road, Parsons Heath, Colchester.

The building would be used for coffee mornings, educational classes and daily prayers.

A planning statement said: “Community uses will inevitably be changing in frequency and type depending on demand by the various activities as well as the time of year.

“Examples include coffee clubs, social gatherings and educational classes in the same way other community and church halls accommodate such activities.

“The use for daily prayers will be on a regular basis.

“Since most people conduct the five daily prayers at home or at work it is likely the size of the congregation would be small for routine daily prayers.

Activities would take place between 8am and 10pm if permission is granted.