CLAIMS the public were not properly consulted on Accrington’s landmark mosque plans led a bid to overturn a council decision.

Borough councillor Nick Collingridge led the bid to overturn Hyndburn’s initial support of West Accrington regeneration plans, which include an ‘iconic mosque’ at Steiner Street for 2,500 worshippers.

However the Overview and Scrutiny Committee yesterday (fri) disagreed, deciding to allow the decision of Hyndburn’s cabinet to stand.

At the cabinet meeting two weeks ago, residents had objected to the mosque over fears of increased traffic and parking problems.

However the cabinet decided these issues could only be dealt with by a planning committee, once official plans are submitted.

Defending the cabinet’s actions to scrutiny councillors, leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “I’m not sure what else cabinet could have done.

“Nobody is objecting to it because it’s a mosque and traffic and amenity concerns have to be considered through the proper channels.

“It is only a project idea at this stage. There is no planning application and anybody else is free to sumit a planning application for other projects. I am baffled as to why the yolk is being over egged.”

He added that every West Accrington business and resident should receive a letter at the planning stage.

The meeting then heard a public meeting to discuss the plans had been arranged by West Accrington Residents Association.

Coun Nick Collingridge said: “These extra meetings and consultations have only come to light after I made this call-in. The original consultation before the cabinet meeting was also highly flawed.

It is is a very important gateway proposal and all residents should have a say, not just West Accrington.”

Councillors voted to allow the original decision to stand instead of referring the issue back to cabinet.

Other than the mosque, regeneration plans include a new public space and ‘pocket garden’ in the West Accrington area, which enjoy general support.

Chairman of the West Accrington Resident’s Committee Tariq Ali said he welcomed all members of the public to a meeting to discuss mosque plans.

He said: “There are lots of people from other areas who want to have their say. Everyone is welcome.”

The meeting takes place at the Stables in Russia Steet at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 9.