Expansion bid for house-mosque

PLANS . . . the Mohammedia Masjid wants to use both its floors for prayers

PLANS have been submitted to expand a mosque in a terraced house in Shaw.

The Mohammedia Masjid and Islamic Centre in Refuge Street wants to convert its first floor into a mosque to accommodate more people.

But fears have been raised that it may disturb residents and cause traffic problems.

The ground floor of the two-storey, mid-terraced property is currently used as a mosque, with auxiliary facilities on the first floor.

The prayer hall provides sufficient space for the local Muslim community for the five daily prayers and is used as a teaching space for approximately eight children learning about Arabic and the Koran.

On the first floor is a bathroom and two store rooms that are in a poor state of repair.

During Friday prayers more space is required for around 10 to 15 people who work near by but currently have to be turned away.

The proposals see the first floor made into a prayer hall and a second-floor dormer extension built to create a shower room and storage areas.

New walls and fences would be built along the boundary of the rear yard to reduce the impact on neighbours.

Oldham Council has raised concerns about the effect the additional activities will have on neighbours and highway safety.

But the applicants say the additional space is only required for the extra worshippers on a Friday. There will be no increased teaching and/or prayer activity on a daily basis and little or no impact on highway safety or neighbours.