CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a mosque in the centre of Clitheroe have been put on hold so that councillors can visit a mosque in Blackburn.

But one councillor objected to the proposed visit on the grounds that it would take place outside the Ribble Valley.

The plan came before Ribble Valley Council's planning committee last night.

Arshad Mohammed wants to build the mosque next to an Islamic Education Centre in Holden Street. The centre itself was given the go-ahead by councillors two years ago, despite opposition from residents.

More than 100 people have signed a petition claiming that the proposed mosque will cause traffic chaos. But two petitions have also been received in support of the plan, one with 53 signatures and the other with 124. Residents turned out in force, some with placards, and packed the public gallery of the council chamber.

It is proposed to house the mosque in a single storey extension at the end of a terrace row in the middle of town. Planning officers recommended refusal on the grounds that it would cause traffic and noise problems.

Chairman Frank Dyson said the Blackburn visit was at the invitation of the Lancashire Council of Mosques.

But Coun Derek Waller said it was inappropriate to visit a site outside the Ribble Valley and any such visit should be voluntary.

Coun Dyson said the visit would enable members to be better informed to make a decision.

"It is a matter of convenience and courtesy that the visit takes place on a collective basis," he said.

The matter will now be decided at the next planning committee meeting on July 16.

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