Mosque plans for Smethwick to be rejected by council
Plans for a mosque in Sandwell look likely to rejected by councillors after officials said it would cause noise nuisance and create congestion on an already busy highway.
It is the second attempt by the Gambian Islamic Centre to build a place of worship in the former solicitor’s office on Bearwood Road in Smethwick after it withdrew a similar application last year.
The latest application sparked a flood of abuse after anti-Muslim xenophobes took to local Facebook pages to post comments, including suggesting desecrating the proposed place of worship.
The centre is again asking permission to convert the building into a place of worship, which could accommodate 250 people.
Mr Baba Njie, a committee member for the centre, said that he expected congregations for Friday prayers to be much smaller.
He explained: “During the week, there would be only be up to 15 people in the building each day. On Friday, I would expect some 70 to 80 people will attend prayers and many will travel by public transport or walk.”
But in a report to Sandwell Council’s planning committee, senior officers have recommended refusal, saying: "The proposal is likely to cause significant highway safety issues due to the cumulative impacts on the road network, as a result of the premises being used during certain peak times, where off-street parking is limited.
"The proximity of residential properties is likely to give rise to noise nuisance."
Last year the group faced backlash on two separate occasions over the plans.
More than 400 comments were posted on social media, protesting against the application - with many saying it would cause severe congestion.
Councillors will decide if the application is granted or refused at their meeting on April 10.
By George Makin - Local Democracy Reporter
