Moseley Islamic centre approved despite objections

The new centre, at one College Road, Moseley, will consist of a multi-use hall that would be used for community events and prayers, several classrooms, an office, two reception rooms, a ladies’ prayer room, a restroom and a small kitchen area.

Approval of the plans was delayed last month by the planning committee due to concerns over parking provision, with several residents worried that there would not be enough space at the centre to cope with demand.

However the centre has now reached an agreement with a neighbouring facility over use of its car-parking.

The new facility will hold up to 80 people at any one time, and will be open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.

The centre had received several objections when the proposals were first put forward, with some claiming that the area "did not need" another Islamic centre, with two more in close proximity to the site.

Others were concerned about the amount of traffic that the new centre would attract to an area that also includes a school – however council officers sought to allay these fears by imposing certain rules around gatherings.

“Noting members concerns, officers have reviewed controlling mechanisms and suggest a number of extra conditions that would help to prevent issues occurring,” an officer said.

“For example the prohibition of certain conditions within the function area to prevent festivals and weddings ceremonies, and the requirement for a specified gap between prayer meetings.

“The last suggested extra condition refers to a gap of at least 40 minutes between prayer sessions, so that should enable the build up and decay of any activity on the prior prayer meetings to dissipate into the local network.

“It is actually expected that this would be a local facility, and with that in mind …there would be no conflict with your parking policy.”