Europe's largest Mormon temple to expand

The expansion will see accommodation blocks for more than 550 people

Plans to expand Europe's largest Mormon temple have been unanimously approved by councillors in Lancashire, with space to host visiting young people from around the world.

The proposals will see the Preston England Mormon Temple in Chorley boosted with a new faith and learning centre and two accommodation blocks for up to 554 people.

The application was granted but is subject to planning conditions being met, including a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan.

The temple said it intends to use the new centre to host large-scale residential activities as part of the church's annual youth programme, known as For the Strength of Youth.

Officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the Mormon church believes in Jesus but is separate from other Christian groups.

It has about 16 million members and has the largest full-time missionary force in the world.

A report presented to councillors said the expansion would include a reception building, accommodation buildings, a communal hub, a teaching and learning building as well as the relocation of an existing multi-use games area.

It said youth LDS members travel from across the world every year to attend events.

The report said: "Historically in the UK, these events have been held in universities and schools where available.

"However, with the number of local events and youth attendees growing in recent years, the Church seeks to establish its own Faith and Learning Centre in the UK, where a multitude of these events can be held over the course of each calendar year."