A charity has applied to turn a former pub into a place of worship for Buddhists.

The Lord Brooke in Shernhall Street was closed down earlier this year after its licence was revoked by the council.

According to police evidence of drug use was found all over the pub.

Officers labelled it a drug ‘haven’.

Desilu Estates Limited took over the running over the pub in 2010, but, failed in their attempts to turn it into a hostel.

The licensing committee revoked permission to serve alcohol and despite lodging an appeal, the owners sold it for £740,000 on August 1.

Now, new owners, the Confucius and Tao Association have applied for permission to turn in into a place of worship.

The company which is registered in St David’s Square in London’s Docklands describes its aims as relieving poverty, relieving racial tensions and promoting education and the mental and spiritual improvement of the community.

The charity describes its activities as seminars on the teachings of Buddhism, Confucius and the Great Tao to the public.

Prayer meetings and study sessions are also held by the organisation.

Within Chinese philosophy and religion, The Tao is the understanding or intuitive knowing of life.

The philosophy of Confucius, a Chinese teacher and politician, was to emphasise personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.

There are many forms of Buddhism – each denomination will worship in a different way.

The application will be considered next year.