Plan to expand Sheffield mosque by knocking down house

Umar Mosque on Barnsley Road in Fir Vale has put forward the plans, which involve building a new prayer hall, including an eastern-styled Islamic dome.

The amended application, submitted to Sheffield Council, asks for permission to knock down 304 Barnsley Road and extend the existing mosque to form a two-storey facility with a new main entrance. Alterations to the front of the site will also be needed.

The applicant said the use of the proposed building would be for prayer and educational activities.

The main prayer hall will be located on the ground floor of the new structure and will hold a maximum of 300 people.

The first floor hall will be used for other non-prayer activities such as community meetings, with provision for a library.

Nearby residents were notified of the plans last week.

In 2007, an application to demolish the existing buildings and erect a purpose-built mosque and madrassah - Islamic for school or college - was lodged.

But the bid was refused by the council and a subsequent appeal dismissed.

The Umar Mosque was founded in 1998 and has provided educational services to the community.

n Visit http://tinyurl.com/jjedzzg to see the full planning application.