CONCERN over the size of a proposed mosque in the Stoneyholme area of Burnley has been expressed by councillors.

The planned development was described as "gigantic and out of proportion" with local terrace houses.

Although the mosque plan was approved in principal in July, members of Burnley Council's development control and highways sub-committee last night agreed to have further talks about reducing the size of the proposed building.

The new £1million Bangladeshi mosque and teaching centre in Burns Street, would be as high as the Keirby Hotel, and would dominate the skyline in Stoneyholme, Burnley.

It would be by far the biggest in East Lancashire and will tower above nearby houses.

The dome of the building would touch 100ft, a minaret would reach 112ft and council officers admit the very scale of the building caused initial concern.

The building will feature Islamic architecture and house up to 3,000 worshippers and would be clearly visible over the rooftops. The committee gave the proposal the nod last month after receiving a 1,000-name petition from residents supporting it. The proposal was advertised and objections were received from 11 residents at eight addresses.

Coun Harry Brooks said he had received one objection about the gigantic proportions of the building and its impact on the environment of a northern industrial town.

He and other councillors said the concerns were not against a mosque being built but about the sheer size of the proposal.

Concerns were expressed about its affect on television reception in the area. Planning officer David Ellis said a condition of planning permission would be that the applicants would have to take measures to ensure that TV reception to the houses was maintained.

However, Coun Enid Tate commented: "We were all aware at the last meeting about the size of it. The idea of any place of worship is that it should be a big and imposing landmark. We should not go against the decision we made last time."

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