A new mosque will be built on a former pottery works, despite warnings that the call to prayer may offend non-Muslim neighbours.
The new place of worship will replace the nearby Ghelani Noor Mosque and be built on the old Denton Works, in Chaplin Road, Normacot. The plan was approved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s development control committee yesterday by eight votes to two, with two abstentions.
But the mosque committee’s intention to ring out a call to prayer every Friday and during holy festivals was challenged by BNP councillor Phillip Sandland, who warned it could lead to flash points with non-Muslim neighbours.
As part of the planning conditions each call to prayer – or Adhan – must last no longer than two minutes and only be amplified between 7.30am and 8pm.
Mr Sandland told the committee: “I’m happy to see a house of God built, whether it’s Christian, Muslim or whatever. But there are people who will take exception to this call to prayer and for the time being it should not be allowed.”
Committee chairman, Councillor Mike Barnes, asked him: “Do we take the same account of bells when the Lord Mayor is appointed?” But Mr Sandland hit back: “It’s different as well you know – don’t provoke your neighbours, as this thing does.”