Look at the size of this proposed mosque developmentEyes

The development is proposed for the junction of Highgate Road and Stratford Road, Sparkbrook.

CGI of the new mosque planned for the junction of Highgate Road and Stratford Road.

An all-girls school could form part of a huge new development set to feature a mosque described as a potential 'tourist attraction', it has been revealed.

And the new development has been recommended for approval by the council, despite a range of new objections being received.

Back at the start of the month an application was made for the construction of the mosque as part of a new development at the junction of Highgate Road and Stratford Road, Sparkbrook, with the plans set to include a new community centre, school, residential flats and shop units.

An aerial view of the mosque

The application had been recommended for approval, however, a decision on its future was deferred by councillors at an initial meeting so that more information could be sought on the nature of the school that would be built, as well as traffic considerations.

And this has now been provided to the council, with confirmation that a new girls school would form part of the scheme.

"The applicant has confirmed that the proposed school would be a single
sex girls school, accommodating the need within the community which has most recently resulted in pupils travelling further afield to attend girls schools," papers from next week's meeting state.

It is expected that the majority of pupils would be from the local area; however, it is also noted that there are good public transport links if travel distance would be further than walking distance. A dedicated drop-off and pick-up point is proposed within the site to ensure highway safety concerns would be suitably addressed."

The papers also addressed concerns that the new mosque would mean people might stop attending other local mosques, with a claim that there was currently not enough capacity at surrounding mosques.

However the application has also received new objections since last appearing before councillors, with the papers noting: "Since the publication of the Committee Report and verbal update, a further 5 comments have been received on the planning application, raising concerns with regards to the following;

• There would be no need for an additional mosque within the area

• It is considered that application was only submitted to make profit

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• It was queried whether the correct process for the purchase of the land had been followed.

• There would be traffic chaos and concerns with health from the proposal.

• The scheme would not be appropriate for the area.

• There is a need for a community centre within the area.

Side elevation of the mosque

The Victorian society has also raised concerns around the impact the new mosque could have on the nearby St Agatha's church, though have raised no formal objection.

The application is due to be decided next Thursday (December 3).