Mosque to be built on public open space

Plans to build a mosque and community centre on public open space opposite Werneth Park have been recommended for approval.

Planning officers have given the thumbs up to the proposals for the green spot off Manchester Road at the third attempt — and the plans will now be ruled on by councillors at tomorrow night’s Oldham Planning Committee meeting.

The building would have four floors with a multi-use leisure hall at lower ground floor; the main prayer hall, office and toilets at ground floor; and another hall, classrooms and multi-use activity rooms at first and second floors.

The main hall would accommodate 400 people, the second hall a further 80 people and another 310 people in a women’s hall and the activity rooms.

Applicant The Ummah Welfare Trust also plans to build a car park at the rear to accommodate 20 vehicles.

A petition containing five signatures and two letters of support have been submitted by residents saying current facilities in an existing mosque are inadequate for their needs.

But one resident has sent a letter of objection saying it will worsen a parking problem in the area.

A previous scheme was refused on the basis that the development would result in the loss of an attractive piece of open space in a densely populated urban area. But planning officers say the new application outlines the wider benefits the scheme will deliver — particularly replacing the open area with a community facility of greater quality that would be more usable by the wider community.

Community activities available for all age groups will include educational classes, an Internet room, sports sessions, sewing and dressmaking and cooking and healthcare classes.

A report to councillors states: “I consider that the proposal would clearly deliver a benefit to the local community in the wider sense and that such facilities would outweigh the loss of the existing public open space.

“The design of the proposed building is contemporary and imaginative and is considered to be an improvement on the original scheme.

“I do not consider that the proposal would have such a significant impact on neighbouring residential amenity as to warrant a recommendation of refusal.”

The site consists of an area of mature trees among grassland and pathways, but officers while say the loss of 21 protected trees is significant the majority of protected trees will be retained and 13 new trees planted.

Trustees are also willing to make a financial contribution towards a new open space, with the council seeking around £36,000.