NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME MOSQUE EXTENSION & MINARET

Newcastle under Lyme Islamic Centre have submitted a planning application to extend the former Church of St Peter, Pilkington Avenue, Newcastle Under Lyme, and to add a minaret.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/237563503030957/posts/27959530817074186/

They say it would be: “A slender brick minaret reaching a height of 13.5m … it acts as a subtle architectural spire”, and; “a high-quality, sensitive architectural enhancement of an established community facility”.

They say they would expect 200 visitors on Fridays.

Local residents are rightly concerned about an increase in parking and traffic conflict.

This former church is recorded on the Staffordshire Historic Environment Record as a heritage asset, and a minaret and extension could be out of character. It might also have a domineering effect on this quiet residential area.

I am asking you for donations toward the out-of-pocket expenses of £2,000 to resist it.

As usual, none of the money goes to me, but to the costs of fighting this application.