Debate over mosque plan
NEW PLACE OF WORSHIP NEAR BUSY PRESTON ROAD JUNCTION DIVIDES OPINION
A PROPOSED new mosque on the outskirts of Preston would be a “brilliant place of worship…for a great city”, the closing stages of a public inquiry into the plans was told, writes Paul Faulkner.
However, opponents of the project claimed the structure could not achieve the landmark status it seeks while also being suitable for the small plot of land earmarked for it.
If approved, the Brick Veil Mosque will be built alongside the Broughton roundabout at the interchange of the A6, M55 and M6.
Planning inspector Darren Hendley heard almost 50 hours of evidence over the course of more than a week about the viability of the scheme.
Arguments have revolved around issues including the appearance of the planned building, the need for it and the effect it could have on a nearby listed church.
The blueprint for the mosque – a three-storey, 12-metre high building with a 30m minaret – followed a worldwide design competition by Royal Institute of British Architects.
Peter Black, the advocate acting for Broughton Parish Council – which objects to the proposal in its current form – told the inquiry that “in parts of Preston, this building could be an asset”.
But he added: “The development has been designed as a prominent, iconic structure that, by definition, will dominate. Yet it’s claimed it will not affect the residual rural and open character and appearance of the site and surroundings. The developer cannot have it both ways – it cannot be an iconic structure that is also unobtrusive in the landscape.”
However, the barrister representing the firm that has brought forward the scheme – Preston-based architectural and planning specialists Cassidy + Ashton – said “exceptionally high-quality design” had ensured the mosque would be appropriate for its proposed location at one of the busiest junctions in Preston.
Christiaan Zwart told the inquiry: “The development would simply be a brilliant place of worship, in the form of a mosque, for a great city – bold yet subtle [and one] that would result in social inclusion and cohesion.”
The site is designated as open countryside, putting it in conflict with both Preston as well as Central Lancashirewide planning policies that would not usually permit the proposed type of development on such a plot.
Representing the city council at the inquiry, barrister Piers Riley-Smith suggested the mosque would bring a range of benefits to Preston beyond meeting the need for a new place of worship.
He added that the intention to open up the building for general community use would encourage the “engagement of people of different faiths”.
Hendley will now write a report setting out his recommendation to the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, a post currently filled by Greg Clark, after prime minister Boris Johnson sacked Michael Gove last month shortly before announcing his own resignation.
The minister, who is not obliged to follow the inspector’s recommendation, is expected to make a decision before the end of the year.
The application for the mosque was ‘called in’ – giving the government the final say over the matter – after representations from Wyre and Preston North MP Ben Wallace and Preston city councillor Graham Jolliffe following the authority’s approval of the plans earlier this year. (Local Democracy Reporting Service)