Louth Park Prayer Room Dead And Buried

BY IAN CROUCH

A controversial Muslim prayer room proposed for Louth Park appears to be off the table for good after proceedings were dropped in the Land and Environment Court.

Maitland Council unanimously rejected the proposal last year, prompting legal action from Dr Fazal Moughal, however he's now withdrawn those proceedings.

The Louth Park Residents Group has always argued the development was not appropriate for the area due to potential noise and traffic issues.

Residents Met To Discuss Prayer Room Concerns Last Year. Photo:Maitland Mercury

Controversial Mosque Approved

BY IAN CROUCH

 Cessnock City Council has given the go-ahead to a mosque at Buchanan.

Councillors voted 6-4 in favour of the controversial project at last night's meeting which was attended by several police officers, who made sure tensions didn't get out of hand.

Those against the mosque spoke of how it would create traffic problems, while some feared it would lead to increased crime, however Mayor Bob Pynsent who voted for it says it met all the planning requirements.


The Association's Diana Rah says they are looking forward becoming a part of the local community and hopes it time they can put community fears surrounding the development to rest.

Diana Rah Photo courtesy theherald.com.au

Controversial Mosque Recommended For Approval

BY IAN CROUCH

 A controversial mosque earmarked for Buchanan has been recommended for approval by staff at Cessnock Council.

It will now be up to councillors to decide if the project is given the go-ahead at this Wednesday's meeting.

Council planners say the mosque, which has been re-designed so it's further off the road, meets all the planning requirements.


The revised plan also includes a separate building for a funeral home and additional landscaping.

Of the 600 submissions to council, 447 opposed the development while 163 supported it.

Buchanan Mosque Site. Photo courtesy Maitland Mercury