Anger over too-high mosque

UNWELCOME view . . . the mosque is much higher than neighbouring residents expected

BUILDERS have been accused of incompetence after “mistakenly” adding nearly 5ft to the height of a mosque.

Furious neighbours in Coppice have hit out at planning rules which have left them living in the shadow of a “monstrous” building, peppered with windows which will rob them of their privacy.

One resident said the decision will force her to put her home of 20 years up for sale.

She said: “I love my house, but it’s going to be horrendous.

“I have no objection to a mosque. My problem is with the size of the building. It’s a big intrusion on a small residential street. Where’s the common sense?”

Razak Ahmed, secretary of Madina Mosque and Islamic Centre, Oldham, said the fault lay with the architects.

But Architect Najib Gedal, speaking on behalf of the applicants, denied the builders were incompetent.

The revised plans, raising the height above ground by 5ft, were approved subject to the issue of two windows overlooking neighbouring properties being reconsidered with planning officers.


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