A DECISION on whether a new mosque car park can be built has been delayed in a bid to save a number of trees from being felled.

The Sughra Mosque, in Farnworth, wants to put 26 parking spaces on a strip of green land in Egerton Street.

Despite the plans being recommended for approval, the council’s planning committee has now voted to defer their ruling in order to find a way of protecting the trees on the green space.

Cllr Debbie Newall said: “You don’t solve traffic problems by building another car park.

“To sacrifice a green space like that and replace it with concrete would be doing a massive disservice to residents.”

Cllr Nick Peel, who was concerned that the car park would not be open to the public outside of the mosque’s peak times, added: “As one of the main causes of congestion in the area, this is an opportunity for the mosque to give something back to the community.”