Sandwell Council planners have recommended that a plan to triple the size of a mosque be rejected, citing a severe lack of parking spaces for worshippers.
Proposal Details
The application seeks permission to build a two-storey extension to the existing Tividale Mosque in Gate Street, including a dome and minarets. This would more than triple the floorspace to 1,280 square metres. The neighbouring former Burnt Tree Methodist Church, converted into offices, would be demolished to make way.
Parking Concerns
The council stated that based on the proposed floor size, more than 230 parking spaces would be required, yet only 15 spaces have been included in the plans. The mosque has argued that the size of its congregation would not increase and that most worshippers would attend on foot.
Sandwell Council's planning committee is scheduled to meet on June 10 to make a final decision.
Planning Report Findings
The planning report published ahead of the meeting noted: “The extensions and increase in floorspace of this development raises concerns over a significant increase in worshippers and the additional parking provision cannot be accommodated within the site leading to parking being displaced on surrounding residential streets causing congestion and nuisance to surrounding residential properties.”
It added: “Furthermore, the scale of the extension proposed would be out of character with the local area and impact on residential amenity.”
Background
The plans first raised concerns at Sandwell Council in June last year due to the lack of parking spaces. Highways officers indicated they would not support the application in its then state due to insufficient information. A separate plan to demolish the former church to make way for new homes was approved by Sandwell Council in 2022 but never carried out.
