New proposal expected after mosque extension is blocked

Controversial plans to double the size of a mosque in Hull's oldest public park have been refused.

The mosque at 20 Pearson Park was opened in 1992 but worshippers have been saying they need to expand as they need more room.

Now, planning permission to build a two-storey extension to the side and rear to accommodate up to 700 men and women and put a minaret on the roof has been turned down by Hull Council's planning committee.

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The committee decided it was not an overdevelopment but also thought that the design was not in keeping with the park.

Councillor Tom McVie said the design was simply "not good enough", adding that he would be amazed if members of the mosque did not come back with amended plans.

He said: "We can only look at planning grounds. We know it was controversial in another way but we simply look at planning law and that's what we came up with. We had no problems with the size of it but we didn't like the design."

A protest by the BNP outside the mosque earlier this month attracted a counter demonstration by Unite Against Fascism. Two petitions against the development were signed by almost 60 people and 112 letters of objection submitted. The scheme was also opposed by the Avenue and Pearson Park Residents' Association.

Altogether 80 letters supporting the application were submitted, as well as a petition with 800 signatories.

The mosque is next door to a police station. Humberside Police wrote to support the plan.

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