Action threat to illegal mosque

Oldham Planning Committee
AN enforcement notice has been served on a Werneth mosque illegally built 8ft too high.

The Taleem-Ul-Islam centre, acting as a mosque and madrassa (learning centre) in Suffolk Street, was given planning permission in 2008, but was built too high.

Last night, councillors were asked to approve work that has already been completed, including the front porch, external staircase, replacement roof and an increase in the building’s height. No one appeared to present the application in person.

Councillios rejected the plans on several counts, including the mosque’s relationship to neighbouring properties.

Councillor Roger Hindle said: “It’s a shame no one has turned up to speak about this. It beggars belief how they think they would get away with it.”

Jameson Bridgwater, head of planning, said: “We have done everything possible to avoid getting to this position.

“We will continue to work with them but it is an issue that’s been raised and we have not been unduly harsh.”


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