New £1.5m mosque plan revealed

A dilapidated Stourbridge mosque could be demolished and replaced with a new one at a cost of £1.5 million, it has been revealed.

Plans also include building a new community hall for the town.

The Ghausia Mosque has submitted plans to demolish its existing building in Lye High Street and replace it with a modern equivalent.

The existing mosque, which hosts prayer meetings for up to 200 people, faces away from the High Street. But if given the go-ahead, the owners hope to turn it around so the entrance faces out on to the High Street.

They also hope to demolish a derelict community hall and replace it with a new one that can accommodate up to 250 people.

Mohammed Zarab, general secretary of the Ghausia Mosque, which has been based in Lye High Street for more than 30 years, said the plans would allow the local Muslim community to enjoy a more modern place of worship.

"The community is constantly expanding and we want to be able to accommodate everyone," he said.

He added the mosque association has saved some money towards the development – which he estimates will cost in the region of £1.5 million – but said the rest will be found through donations from worshippers.

Mr Zarab said he did not envisage any major opposition to the plans. The proposals are expected before planners in coming months.