UK: Cradley Heath mosque plan gets green light at appeal

The decision to allow the mosque was welcomed by the association’s branch president Dr Masood Majoka, who claimed the councillors original refusal was politically motivated.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Halesowen | UK
By Halesowen News | May 26, 2011

A DECISION to refuse plans to convert a former Cradley Heath church hall into a mosque has been overturned at appeal.

Sandwell Council blocked the bid by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to convert the old St Luke’s Church Hall in School Street into a mosque complete with a small dome and a minaret.

But planning inspector Penelope Metcalfe this week over-ruled the planning committee, saying it would not harm the character and appearance of the area.

She said there would no more parking, traffic, noise or disturbance caused by using the building as a mosque than for any of the other legitimate uses allowed for the hall.


Flat roofs to the extension will reduce the overall height and she said the “relatively modest dome” would be lower than most of the elements to be demolished.

“The proposed minaret would be a striking feature in the area, but I consider that, in view of its slender diameter and use of brickwork, it would not be unduly obtrusive, nor would it be unattractive,” added Ms Metcalfe.

The decision to allow the mosque was welcomed by the association’s branch president Dr Masood Majoka, who claimed the councillors original refusal was politically motivated.

“We are overjoyed with this decision, commonsense has prevailed. We now look forward to building on the strong foundations laid in and with the local community,” he said.

Sandwell planning chairman Councillor Steve Freer said: "We are extremely disappointed with the outcome of the appeal."


Read original post here: Cradley Heath mosque plan gets green light at appeal