Mosque jobs ‘lacked detail’

Muslim leaders failed to show how jobs at a new mosque and community centre would be created and funded, a Government inspector was told.

During the second day of lengthy debate over the controversial £18million scheme, a planning inquiry heard how plans submitted by Dudley Muslim Association, would create 112 new positions, open to the whole community.

But Dudley Council’s barrister, Mr Anthony Crean said there was “insufficient evidence” of how the costs of employing so many people – estimated at around £2million a year - would be met.

The inquiry also heard that the Muslim Association was told when plans were first being drawn up that as long as their scheme included employment and training opportunities, it would have the backing of Dudley Council.

Mr Daniel Hatcher associate for Barton Willmore Planning Partnership, working on behalf of the Muslim Association, told the hearing: “The applicant was clearly advised by the council that subject to meeting the requirement to provide employment and training uses as part of the application scheme the proposal would be supported.”

But John Kirby, a consultant employed by Dudley Council, said it was only advice and at no time was an indication that the project would be approved.

The Muslim Association says the centre would provide training facilities for the whole community, including some of Dudley’s most deprived wards such as St Thomas’s while Dudley Council has argued the loss of the “ideal employment site” would rob the town of valuable land for industry.

People watching the proceedings were reminded to stay quiet by inspector Philip Asquith following the rows that broke out on Tuesday.

Pro-mosque campaigners also gathered for a short time outside the Council House in the afternoon to show their support.

The planning inquiry is due to finish today at which point it will be adjourned to await the decision of inspector who is responsible for deciding whether the building gets the go ahead.

The inquiry is being held after Dudley Muslim Association lodged an appeal against the council’s decision to reject the mosque plan in February 2007.

A total of 70 petitions containing more than 22,000 signatures have been handed to the council from people protesting against the plans.