MUSLIMS in Clitheroe have resubmitted plans to build a mosque at the back of a terrace house in a town centre street.

But residents in Holden Street today accused Ribble Valley Council of not giving them enough time to prepare a case against the new scheme.

They were told an application for a mosque with restricted prayer times had been submitted to the planning authorities earlier this week in a letter from Ribble Valley Council planning officer John Macholc.

The letter said they had 21 days to object before the matter came up before the planning and development committee.

But Sheila Sims, of the Mearley Residents' Action Group, which has fought the proposed mosque in a four-year battle, said more time was needed to mount an opposition.

She said: "I have written to the council requesting at least a further month for us to mount a case against the new application, but am awaiting a reply.

"We want to seek legal advice on this matter and appoint a planning consultant to act on our behalf, as well as seek the opinions of all residents in the Holden Street area."

A four-year bid to build the mosque at the back of an Islamic Education Centre in Holden Street bit the dust in April when an appeal against refusal by Ribble Valley Council was dismissed by the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

Inspector Claire Sherratt said it would have a detrimental effect on the lives of residents, particularly during the first and last prayers of the day.

Ribble Valley Council's planning committee gave the proposed mosque the thumbs-down for the second time last year.

Planning officers had recommended the scheme be approved on the condition that religious worship be kept to the extended building only, there be no call to prayer and no singing in the building, but councillors rejected the scheme.

The controversial plan was much the same as a 1999 scheme, refused on traffic and noise grounds.

John Hill, deputy leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: "This is a very sensitive and delicate issue and all sections of the community need time to prepare their case.

"Twenty-one days is the statutory minimum for representations on planning matters, but any responsible and caring authority would want to take account of all opinions, and give everyone an equal opportunity to have their say.

"I am aware of concerns among residents and I would suggest they contact their ward councillor immediately."