Darlaston mosque to expand as revamp approved

Walsall Council planning chiefs agreed unanimously at a meeting to allow the Bills Street mosque in Darlaston to build a new two-story extension, a new entrance and a flat roof - on top of the new resource centre and library.

The plans were originally approved last year but fell through after a section 106 agreement regarding parking could not be reached.

The approval, given by councillors on Thursday night, means The Muslim Welfare Society can build a new two-storey extension to the main building, which will make it more accessible for disabled people, as well as create a dedicated entrance for children in order to meet requirements stipulated by the Department for Education.

Under the plans, the flat roof on the mosque will be replaced by a pitched roof in order to address a number of problems including leaking water, while a new two-storey library and resource centre will also be built.

Councillor Rose Burley, who represents the Bentley and Darlaston North ward where the mosque lies, said after the meeting: "I am fully supportive of the mosque and its plans. Now the plans have gone through I look forward to the mosque continuing to provide its good service to the community.

"I have been supportive of the mosque all the way through and I think these plans are going to enhance the area.

"Residents have some concerns about the traffic with parking on both sides of the street but apart from that they are very supportive of it."

Councillor Angela Underhill, who also represents Bentley and Darlaston North, echoed Councillor's Burley's thought and agreed it would be good for the area.

A spokesman for the mosque said at a meeting: "The extension will allow for better facilities. We hope to have seperate facilities for adults and children.

"It will be open to everyone, the mosque has an excellent relationship with the whole community."

Labour councillor Khizar Hussain, who is not on the planning committee, attended the meeting to speak in support of the expansion. He said: "The issue of parking has been addressed. The application will enhance the area and benefit the community, especially children and older people."

Fellow Labour councillor Aftab Nawaz, who sits on the committee, said during the meeting: "I think this is an excellent application which will improve conditions for the local community."

Councillor Anthony Harris questioned whether the new library and resource centre would be open for all and this was confirmed by the mosque.