Racism blamed as objections made to Bristol mosque expansion come from as far as 200 miles away

 Comments (31)

PLANS to increase the size of one of Bristol's mosques have been met with a barrage of objections – from towns across the country, including Blackpool, more than 200 miles away.

But despite the objections – which also come from as far afield as Preston, Enfield and Cornwall – the objections are outnumbered by people who have written to the council in support of the application.

Advertisement

Most of the objections are on the grounds that an increase in the size of the mosque in St Mark's Road in Easton will cause disruption and noise in the surrounding streets.

But one of the letters simply says that "enough is enough" and gives no other reason for any objection while another argues that more mosques should not be built in a Christian country.

RELATED CONTENT

• Racism blamed as objections made to Bristol mosque expansion come from as far as 200 miles away

• Bristol Muslim leader and Lib Dem candidate attacks "patronising" letter from Government to mosques

• 'Domed extension' plan for largest mosque in Bristol

• Speaker's corner: British born Muslim and media graduate Anira Khokhar, who lives in Bristol, considers the recent terror attacks in Paris

• Bristol teenager who tortured husky dogs jailed and banned from keeping animals for life

• Woman fights off man in attempted sexual assault on footpath by River Avon in Bristol

• Bristol man reveals his massive tribute to Only Fools and Horses - a full back tattoo

But most of the letters support the scheme. Out of 130 letters received by the council, just under 100 were in favour of the mosque.

Mosque chairman Abdul Malik (pictured) believes the letters were a coordinated attempt by a far-right group to undermine the planning application. He said: "There was a Facebook page set up by a group to undermine what they are describing as 'a super-mosque in Bristol'.

"The language that was being used in some of the objections was clearly racist and anti-Islam in nature.

"It is deeply disappointing to see this kind of reaction to something that is really a local matter."

He added: "The consultation period has now come to an end and these letters will not change any decision which will be made by the council.

"But what has really overwhelmed me is the number of people in the Easton area who are in support of the mosque.

"Since the application has been made public we have numerous messages of support from people living in the area. I have been truly moved by the support we have received from people who actually live and work in Easton."

Jamia Masjid mosque has requested planning for a two-storey extension to cope with growing numbers of worshippers.

The lack of space has meant the congregation has overflowed into the open courtyard in recent years.

A new extension topped with a dome and green roof will cover the courtyard looking onto St Mark's Road if the application is successful.

At the moment the planning application will be dealt with under delegated powers and will not go to a public meeting.

Read more: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Racism-blamed-objections-mosque-200-miles-away/story-25904218-detail/story.html#ixzz3PfWCkDWU 
Follow us: @BristolPost on Twitter | bristolpost on Facebook