Angry words were exchanged in the public gallery between protesters and supporters at a public inquiry into plans to build an £18 million mosque and community centre in Dudley.
As proceedings ground to a halt in a lengthy debate on planning laws and land uses yesterday afternoon, security had to be called to the public gallery upstairs to intervene after an argument broke out between the two rival groups.
It was the first sign of public unrest during the three-day inquiry into the controversial project, with about 20 police officers present to ensure things did not get out of hand. Dudley Council staff have been ordered to wear identity badges at all times and extra security has been drafted in to stand on the council steps.
The public has also been barred from taking bulky bags upstairs into the public gallery.
Barristers for both Dudley Council and Dudley Muslim Association outlined their case in front of government inspector Philip Asquith, who will give the final ruling on the row over the plans to build on derelict land in Hall Street.
Dudley Council’s barrister Mr Anthony Crean said that there was just over 27 acres of available land for industry in the whole of the borough.
He described the land earmarked for the mosque as “an ideal employment site.”
But Muslim Association spokesman Mr Peter Goatley, cross-examining John Kirby, a consultant employed by Dudley Council, argued there was ample opportunity for developers to set up elsewhere in Dudley.
He said the mosque development would generate jobs as well as providing training and development opportunities for the whole community in Dudley.
The inquiry is being held after Dudley Muslim Association lodged an appeal against the council’s decision to reject the mosque plan.
A total of 70 petitions containing more than 22,000 signatures have been handed to the council from people protesting against the plans.
Share this article:
What are these?