Old Brierley Hill health centre to become mosque
A former health centre in Brierley Hill is being converted into a mosque, it has emerged.
The building in Albion Street is currently undergoing a complete refit, with new plans showing it has been taken over by the Jamia Mosque Rizvia based in nearby Trinity Street.
The group did not need to apply for planning permission to convert the site into a mosque as it is the same use class as the health centre under planning rules.
Dudley Council said neighbouring residents and businesses had been informed of the plan and that no objections had been received.
The latest application concerns changes to the building which has remained vacant since closing as a health centre.
Planning bosses said they did not believe the change to a mosque would have an adverse impact on the surrounding area.
Controversial plans to create a new 'mega mosque' in Dudley have attracted widespread opposition and led to various far-right groups arriving in the town.
The health centre operated for more than 40 years after opening in the early 1970s.
An officer's report on the plans said: "As this is a relatively modern building, the external alterations are considered to the appropriate in terms of scale and appearance. The new doors and additional glazing incorporate well within the fabric of the building.
"The proposal makes a positive contribution to place making through high-quality design and the Brierley Hill High Street Conservation Area's special architectural and historic interest would be safeguarded."
Mosque member Mohammad Amin: "The building is ideal for our community in Brierley Hill. The original building was smaller, this one has a big space.
"It is undergoing work at the moment and hopefully it will be complete soon. We have had no problems with neighbouring people, we have consulted with them about the plans submitted and everything is fine."
Brierley Hill councillor Zafar Islam said it was important that people living nearby were kept informed of developments at the site. He said: "I have stressed very strongly that the people involved at the Trinity Street mosque talk to neighbours and they should invite neighbours in at the earliest opportunity."
The building will be used as a mosque and education centre with community facilities, according to the plans.
The Jamia Mosque Rizvia has been granted permission to make changes to the buildings which include the addition of new doors and windows.
