Plans to build a £1.5 million mosque in the Black Country, complete with a minaret on the roof, have been approved by councillors.

The scheme for the existing Ghausia Mosque, in High Street, Lye, to be torn down and replaced with the new building was approved by Dudley councillors last night.

Changes have been made to the plans – including a reduction in height of the minaret from a planned 65ft – following discussions between bosses and council officers.

The new height was not disclosed at last night’s meeting of Dudley Council’s development control committee.

In the original plan, the structure towered over the street but will now be in line with other buildings in the area.

It will be in line with a dome which will also form part of the building.

As part of other conditions on the scheme, the mosque will not be permitted to come into use until a full traffic plan has been submitted and approved by the council.

Members of the mosque be responsible for creating the plan. It will include measures on how traffic and parking will be marshalled during prayer times to avoid serious disruption on surrounding roads.