Protesters opposing plans for an £18 million mosque and community centre in Dudley will get just three minutes to put their case to a crucial council meeting.

One person opposing the plans and one in support will be allowed to address planning committee members who will decide the application on Tuesday.

Ukip Councillor Malcolm Davies will put the case in opposition to the plans after officers asked those who expressed a wish to speak to nominate a spokesperson. He handed over a petition of 16,000 signatures opposing the new plans on Thursday.

A spokesperson supporting the plans will also be given three minutes to address the meeting. Members of the public who want to attend the meeting have been warned to get there early.

Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis because the council chambers can only accommodate 50 people.

The public gallery will open 15 minutes before the meeting’s 6pm start.

The meeting will bring to an end months of argument over the plans to build a £12 million community centre and £6 million mosque with 65ft minaret in Hall Street.

The original plans were withdrawn in 2005 after the council received more than 2,000 objections from angry members of the public but revised plans were submitted in January.