Plans to allow a mosque in the West Midlands to triple in size have been delayed due to concerns over inadequate parking. The proposal to expand Tividale Mosque on Gate Street was scheduled for a decision by Sandwell Council's planning committee last week, but councillors opted to postpone the vote after raising issues with the lack of car parking spaces.
Parking Shortfall Raises Red Flags
Council planning officers had recommended refusing the application, stating that based on the proposed floor area, more than 230 parking spaces would be necessary. However, the plans included only 15 spaces. The expansion would increase the mosque's floorspace to 1,280 square metres, more than triple its current size, with the addition of a dome and minarets. Mosque representatives argued that the congregation size would not increase significantly and that most worshippers would arrive on foot.
Committee Votes for Site Visit
During the June 10 meeting, Sandwell Council's planning committee voted to delay the decision to allow councillors to visit Gate Street and assess the situation firsthand. The expansion would include extra facilities such as a mortuary, classrooms, and additional prayer space, making the building "more usable," according to the mosque's architect, Martin Faulkner.
Alternative Smaller Design Proposed
Faulkner also presented an alternative single-storey building, though it was less favoured, and noted that plans for further expansion remained in place. Even the smaller design would require 80 parking spaces. The applicant admitted a mistake in the application: a figure of 800 worshippers for Friday prayers was incorrect; the actual number is 80. As a result, the recommendation for parking spaces was adjusted to at least 160 for peak times.
Local Support and Opposition
Labour councillor Rizwan Jalil, representing Oldbury, spoke in favour of the expansion. He stated, "With regards to parking concerns, this proposal is for the replacement and modernisation of an existing community facility rather than the introduction of a new use. The centre already serves local residents and the new building will provide improved facilities for existing activities rather than significantly increasing visitor numbers or parking demand." Tividale councillor Maria Crompton added that she had never experienced parking issues on Gate Street at any time of day.
However, a planning report published before the meeting recommended refusal, stating: "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."
