Mosque’s plan given go-ahead
5:20pm Monday 18th May 2009 in News By Andrew Greaves
PLANS for an extension at the Jamia Alavia Islamic Centre in the Haulgh have been approved, despite concerns from residents.
Trustees from the mosque, in Bromwich Street, sought permission to knock down a dilapidated wooden outbuilding and replace it with a two-storey extension.
Residents claimed the provision of only six new car parking spaces would not be enough to satisfy demand.
They also raised concerns about disturbances and hygiene.
Madeleine Scott, who spoke on behalf of residents at a meeting of Bolton Council’s planning committee, said: “Six parking spaces is going to be nowhere near enough.
“When there are celebrations, which I have no problem with, it is very noisy until all hours and the food waste thrown out increases the rat population.”
Cllr Nick Peel, a member of the planning committee, said he took on board the concerns from residents.
But he added: “You are always going to have problems at peak times around religious buildings whatever the denomination.
“I think this extension would be an improvement on the building which is being demolished.”
Councillors voted in favour of granting permission for the extension, which is being paid for by members of the mosque.
