Mosque plan for Camberley, Surrey, abandoned after opposition from local residents

[Al-khiyal]

Thousands of residents force council to reject plans for giant mosque next to Sandhurst military academy

March 11, 2010 -- A controversial plan to build a mosque with two 100ft minarets next to Sandhurst has been scrapped to the jubilation of thousands of residents. The £3 million building would have had a clear view over the military academy and is just 400 yards from its parade ground - prompting fears it could be a security threat. A listed Victorian school building was set to be demolished to make way for the huge Saudi Arabian-style building. More than 6,500 residents signed a petition to oppose the application because of fears it would change the Victorian character of the area.

The proposal for the mosque in Camberley, Surrey, has finally been rejected by the local council at a public meeting - to cheers of joy from residents. Hundreds had lined the streets outside to protest against the mosque, waving placards which said 'Camberley Says No!' and 'Hands off Our Heritage! We Want Justice!' Planning papers showed that the massive structure would have towered over local buildings. As well as the two minarets, it would have featured a large central dome, five smaller outlying domes, a morgue, a library and a separate worship area for women. It would have overlooked Sandhurst where hundreds of newly-commissioned Army officers take to the parade ground each year for the academy's passing out ceremony. The event attracts senior members of the Royal Family, including the Queen when her grandson Prince Harry was commissioned in 2006.

The gigantic mosque was the idea of the Bengali Welfare Association, which worships at the al-Kharafi Islamic Centre in Camberley. The Victorian school, built in the 1860s, has been used as an Islamic Centre since 1996. The plans for a new mosque were originally approved by Surrey Heath Borough Council's planning committee earlier this year, but overturned on a technicality. On Wednesday night they finally backtracked after massive public opposition. A special council meeting had to be held at the Camberley Theatre because of the volume of interest. Residents queued from 9.30am to make sure they got into the meeting, which started at 7pm. More than a thousand people sat inside the hall, while more residents who could not get in waited outside for the verdict. All but two of the 36 councillors voted to refuse the planning application - a decision which was greeted with cheers both in and outside the theatre. David Chesneau, chairman of the Camberley Society, said: 'This was definitely the right result. They were thinking of knocking down a listed building. A mosque in its place would not have preserved or enhanced the Victorian and Edwardian character of the area.'

John Dixon, a 60-year-old roofing contractor, queued for a place in the audience from 9.30am. He said: 'The school is a listed building in a local area and it is part of the community's heritage. They had permission to extend and refurbish the building but that was not enough. They wanted to destroy our heritage.' Gill Mathews, an animal rescuer, said she had 'suffered abuse' for her opposition of the plans. She said: 'I have been accused of being a racist. But I don't hate Muslims. I have no objection to there being a mosque in the area - just not there.' Nigel Farage, UKIP MEP for the South East region said: 'This is the right result for the people of Camberley, the initial planning application should have been thrown out as the building in question is listed and is sited in a conservation area. This was never about religion, but about the fair and just process that applies to everyone no matter what faith or belief.'

Regular at the mosque Ahmed Soliman, 35, a restaurant owner, was disappointed the plans had not gone through. He said: 'At the moment it is not a real mosque for the Muslim community. The building is falling apart. When it rains, the water comes through the roof.' Last month the Daily Mail revealed army generals were against the plans. An Army source said: 'There is a very real concern that if this thing gets built, then soldiers could be put at risk. It is outrageous to even think that the officers of the future would have to watch their backs while they are still in training.'

[Ruks]

aside from this particular story, there are so many stories i read about opposition to building of local mosques in england recently. some areas really do need mosques because of the increase in numbers of those who need to use the place. this story is gonna be something that the BNP and UKIP will use to gain seats. but i don't think these parties need to put too much effort into getting votes. they are half way there already.