Preston city mosque is given go-ahead after appeal

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - A major three-storey mosque in a Preston conservation area has been given the go-ahead by Government planning chiefs.Members of the Preston Muslim Society today said they were “overjoyed” at the decision by a planning inspector to allow the development in Watling Street Road. The new mosque will replace the existing Masjid-E-Salaam building.Some residents feared the building would be out of touch with the character of the Fulwood Conservation Area, and would create parking problems.A planning inquiry was launched in May this year after Preston Council refused the plans.But the decision of planning inspector Louise Crosby said: “The proposal would respect the character and appearance of the Fulwood Conservation Area and not be prejudicial to highway or pedestrian safety.”She said that the applicants’ offer to use lead instead of copper on the mosque’s dome and minarets would fit in better with other roofs in the area.And she said work to try and get worshippers to car-share, walk or cycle to the mosque was “very encouraging”.Faisel Mansoor, trustee of Preston Muslim Society Masjid-E-Salaam, said: “The community are overjoyed and relieved. We are very pleased that the inspectorate valued the appeal on its merit and made a fair decision. “The development has the potential to make a positive contribution to the appearance and character of the area, complementing existing buildings, while also providing modern facilities for worshippers.”David Cockrell, of Cassidy and Ashton Planning, which represented the Preston Muslim Society, said work on the site could begin in four to five months.But College ward councillor Bobby Cartwright, said: “I’m terribly disappointed. At the end of the day the inspector is independent and we have to uphold the decision. “I just hope we have crossed enough Ts and dotted enough to get the best possible result for residents.” Yousuf Bhailok said a building at the former Sharoe Green Hospital on Watling Street Road, now the Preston Business Centre owned by Mr Bhailok, which had been earmarked to act as a temporary mosque during the construction period had been rented to a children’s charity.Coun Taalib Shamsuddin said: “The new mosque will be an asset to Preston.”/129