Alarmed locals have expressed concern about the fact that their 'village green' is being replaced by a parking garage of the mosque.
Residents of Chew Moor, Bolton, Greater Manchester, took a public meeting about a proposal to build a parking space on the site of the mosque that is housed in a former church building.
Chew Moor Methodist Church on St. John's Road closed in 2023 because of the decline of the municipality and it was announced a year later that it would be turned into a mosque.
The local population was then 'shocked' after the green area outside, which they call their village green, 'appeared' to be converted into a 19 -room parking space without the right permission.
During the meeting at the Local football team Temest United FC's Club House earlier this week, councilor Cox said: 'I have represented and out this department for 16 years.
“When I saw what happened last summer with what the village green acts, I can't put into words how angry and irritated I was.”
The grass area was 'torn' torn by Diggers and trees last year.
Alderman Cox described it as a 'delicious act of vandalism'.
The 'village green' area next to the former Moor methodist Church, now a mosque, because it is now torn apart for the OM to be changed to a parking space of 19 spaces
What the green area looked before they started to turn the country in preparation for the building
Residents packed in a public meeting after plans have been submitted to build the parking space on the Green next to the Church methodist for the former Moor Moor
Bolton Council did not require approval of the planning to convert the place of worship, because there was no 'change of use'.
Plans have recently been submitted to the council to build a parking space with 19 spaces on what is described as the 'village green' adjacent to the church.
However, the plans were withdrawn because no environmental report had been submitted, but it is believed that the proposals are being submitted again.
Alderman Galloway who is in the Bolton Council planning committee, so it cannot be a partisan, the crowd explained the planning process.
She said: 'The biodiversity report was not given.
'If a garden has to be made up, the applicant must explain how he would reduce the loss of nature.
“But this applicant did not do anything, so the planning application is invalid and has been taken from the portal.”
She also said that the mosque should also submit an ecology report that can take up to two weeks.
Banks have been removed from the village green next to the former Moor methodist Church, now a mosque
Currently there is only a small area for a few cars to park for the mosque
The green next to the former Moor Methodist Church when it looked before the work started
Air views on the green next to the former Moor methodist Church, now a mosque
Alderman Galloway also said that any objections to the already submitted parking space remain valid.
They include traffic problems, noise problems and ecology problems.
Alderman Galloway also raised the opposite point that parking can help get cars off the road.
Residents then gave their thoughts about the development.
One said: 'St John's Road is busy on rush hour, but it is also busy all day.
“Almost every student driver in Bolton uses it, plus engines.”
Another said, “I walk my dogs two to three times a day, people park their cars on the grass.”
Alderman Galloway replied: “I emailed the planning officer to say that they should tell the agent that it cannot be used to park until it is approved and built.”
