Mosque in a Preston semi could be shut down

A controversial mini-Mosque in a semi-detached house in Preston could be shut down after council officers opposed the lifting of  strict conditions on its use.
The former semi in Carlton Drive has been used as a prayer centre for more than a year.The former semi in Carlton Drive has been used as a prayer centre for more than a year.
The former semi in Carlton Drive has been used as a prayer centre for more than a year.

Muslim families who run the prayer centre in Carlton Drive, Frenchwood asked for permission to extend its opening hours and increase the number of people allowed to worship there at any one time.

But following objections from almost 100 residents - plus opposition from highways and environmental health officials - the application has been recommended for refusal when it goes before the planning committee.

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And that could force the facility to close its doors unless the council grants a new application to continue operating now a 12-month trial period has ended.

The Mosque was originally approved on a temporary basis in late 2018 with restrictions on opening between 7am and 10pm and a maximum eight worshippers at a time.

A group called the Boulevard Community, made up of a number of Muslim families in the neighbourhood, recently asked for a relaxation of the conditions to open between 5.30am and 11.30pm and allow up to 20 people praying at any one time.

But 99 letters of objection were submitted voicing fears over parking problems, noise and extra traffic if restrictions were eased.

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An officer report which will go to the planning committee says the changes would be “unacceptable” in relation to street parking and the impact they would have on the neighbourhood.

As a result, it says, the granting of permanent planning permission for the prayer centre “cannot be accepted.”

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