Elham Asaad Buaras
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) approved the construction of a large landmark mosque for 250 worshippers in north Preston last month.
Almost a year after the Brick Veil Mosque plans were approved by the Council, the proposals reached the final stage for approval on January 30. Following pressure from constituents in Wyre and Preston North, MP Ben Wallace “called in” the decision and requested that the decision be made by the central government.
The proposed location is on a vacant plot of land bordering Broughton, Greyfriars, and Sharoe Green, which was previously used by workers constructing the Broughton bypass. It is located at the western end of D’Urton Lane, the M55 is to the south, and the Broughton bypass is to the west. D’Urton Lane and the Guild Wheel cycle track are to the east, and some small groups of houses are to the north.
The mosque, which was chosen through a competition held by the Royal Institute of British Architects, was met with fierce local opposition, with residents in Broughton claiming that it was unnecessary and would increase the risk of flooding as well as traffic and noise pollution in the area around D’Urton Lane and James Towers Way.
Following the planning inspector’s recommendation that permission is granted, subject to conditions, DLUHC Minister Michael Gove gave the mosque the go-ahead.
The plans have been the subject of scrutiny since they were put forward to the local planning committee.
The decision has been approved with conditions in place. A list of 28 conditions has been outlined in the final decision, including conditions before the first use of the development and conditions to be met before any development commences.
In a statement to The Muslim News, a spokesman for Brick Veil Mosque said they were “deflating and disheartening” that application was called into central government for review given that the local planning committee approved the application by eight votes to three.
Adding “We understand that the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities was given several reasons not to call in the application for review, yet this advice was ignored due to pressure from the local MP, Ben Wallace.
However, we kept faith in Allah and continued our prayers and efforts throughout these difficult months. Ultimately, Allah’s will will always prevail. He has shown the way —for which we are eternally grateful to Him—and although the project is now delayed by one year, we are delighted with the approval.”
