"But today mosque leaders hit back at the complaints, saying all they wanted were symbols of an Islamic mosque - describing them as the equivalent of a church spire."
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Times / Various
By Staff report | July 21, 2014
Citing impact on the local landscape, Dudley Council has turned down a request by Muslim leaders to erect a dome and minaret at the Baitul Ghafoor Mosque on Long Lane under pressure from local resident who may have acted so due to their anti-Muslim sentiments.
Dr Muhammad Ashraf, from The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association claims that hatred towards the religion is more of a reason than the effects on the landscape.
This former Methodist church, converted to a mosque, was told that the dome and steeples would be out of keeping with the building, a local newspaper, Express & Star, has reported.
Supported by a few local politicians, some 225 signatures were submitted before the Council claiming everything from interference with traffic to strain on eyes if dome and minarets will be added to the building.
There were also concerns the dome and spire would increase the profile of the mosque.
"The minarets would have had a strong visual impact," cited Halesowen North Councillor, Karen Shakespeare, who worked with disgruntle residents.
"I had a lot of residents contact me and I fully supported them," Express & Star quoted Councillor Shakespeare's statement. “I am really pleased it has been refused. It doesn't affect their worship and I hope they won’t appeal."
"But today mosque leaders hit back at the complaints, saying all they wanted were symbols of an Islamic mosque - describing them as the equivalent of a church spire," Express & Star further reported.
Dr Ashraf from the mosque said they will appeal the decision of Dudley Council blocking the addition of the dome and minarets.
“We will be appealing. Justice is for everybody not just a few people. All we are asking for is the symbols of our community, they are the symbols of an Islamic mosque, just like a church spire. I think the application has not been assessed properly by the council,” Dr Ashraf stated according to Express & Star report.
-- UK: The Baitul Ghafoor Mosque to appeal decision of Dudley Council blocking addition of dome and minarets
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