30 - Public inquiry into mosque appeal

 

The inquiry, which is a formal process run by the planning inspector, will be held at Dudley Council House and is scheduled to last up to four days, starting on Tuesday June 10 at 10am.

 

It is being held by the government planning inspector to determine an appeal by Dudley Muslim Association over its application for Dudley Mosque and Community Centre in Hall Street, Dudley. The original planning application was refused by Dudley Council’s development control committee in February 2007.

 

The inquiry will be held in the council chamber and will be open to the public. The public gallery in the chamber has a capacity of 50. Admission to the gallery will be on a first come, first served basis each day and access will be allowed 15 minutes before the start.

 

Anyone wishing to speak at the inquiry must be there at the start of proceedings to register their intent. Anyone wishing to present evidence or speak should indicate their intention by contacting the council on 01384 814153 by June 7. The inspectorate, however, makes it clear that if there are several people with the same views a spokesperson should be appointed to speak on behalf of the others to avoid repetition of arguments.

 

At the start of the inquiry the inspector will outline the formal procedure. The barrister for the appellant (Dudley Muslim Association) will make opening remarks followed by the barrister for the council. Witnesses for both parties will give evidence and will be open to cross examination. After closing statements, the inspector will close the inquiry and then carry out a site visit, during which there is no further discussion.

 

No decision will be made during the inquiry. The inspector will announce his decision at a later date.

 

Copies of the appeal documents can be viewed at the council planning offices.