A new £500,000 mosque in Lincoln has been granted unanimous approval by city councillors.

The proposed two-storey place of worship at the old Boultham Dairy initially sparked controversy which led to a petition against the plans from Boultham Residents' Association.

Members were concerned about the level of traffic the building would bring to the area. But the group has since come out in support of the mosque scheme put forward by the Islamic Association of Lincoln.

The City of Lincoln Council only received five letters of objection – mostly about concerns over traffic congestion – while six letters were sent in which backed the project.

City planners recommended councillors approved the scheme, on the condition that 68 car parking spaces and entry to the site from Dixon Street are in place before the building is used.

Planners had already approved the scheme in principle this time last year, when a new supermarket and housing on the site were also agreed.

A report to the council stated: "The access, landscaping, appearance, scale and layout proposed are consistent with the details provided at the outline stage and will result in a development will fit satisfactorily into its local context."

The building will also be available for use by the wider community.

This is Lincolnshire, 7 November 2012

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A group which opposed the building of a £500,000 mosque in Lincoln has now promised to work alongside the Islamic association.

The proposed, two-storey place of worship at the Old Boultham Dairy, could win full planning permission on November 7. If approved, the mosque could be up and running in about two years.

Boultham Residents' Association started a petition against the plans last year. Members were concerned about the level of traffic the building would bring to the area.

A joint statement has now been issued by Jean Flannery, chairman of the residents' association and Dr Tanweer Ahmed, trustee of the Islamic association which says they are happy to work together.

It said: "We hope that we can co-exist peacefully, as one community in all its diversity. It falls to each one of us to accept our responsibility to recognise and respect the rights of the other, to be good neighbours."

Mrs Flannery, of Church Drive, off Boultham Park Road, added: "Plans for the mosque are taking a step forward with the planning committee meeting on November 7 to consider an application for full planning permission.

"With no foreseeable obstacle to full planning consent being granted, we are looking to lay the foundations for a good and mutually beneficial relationship, one including all the members of our diverse community.

"Engaging local residents with the mosque, giving them an interest in it, will hopefully help it to become just another strand in our community life. It will also hopefully help members of the mosque who live in the wider area to feel more part of the local neighbourhood.

"Any big new development inevitably brings its worries. Traffic and congestion issues will always be with us. We are urging highways to make the best possible provision, given what is possible, as we trust they will."

Lincolnshire Echo, 25 October 2012

This is excellent news and one in the eye for the far right, who have consistently opposed the Islamic Association of Lincoln's plans for the development of the Boutham Park Dairy site.

In July 2010 the Islamic Association held a meeting for local Muslims to discuss the way forward after their original plan had been rejected by Lincoln Council. It was disrupted by a group of thugs from the English Defence League, who abused the participants and assaulted a Muslim policemen when he arrived in response to a call for help. The EDL's Casuals United section openly boasted about their involvement in this hooliganism, commenting: "Good work chaps, NO SURRENDER."

Subsequently two of those reponsible for the attack were convicted of religiously aggravated threatening behaviour (see here, here and here).

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A British National Party candidate in Lincoln has been arrested over allegations of racist content his Facebook page.

It was reported that anti-Islamic and other racist images and slogans appeared on the site of Dean Lowther, who is standing in Bracebridge ward in the city council elections.

Lincolnshire Police spokesman James Newall said: "Police have reviewed the material in question and a 45-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of producing material inciting racial hatred in the south of the city this morning. He is currently helping police with their enquiries."

Lincolnshire Echo, 12 April 2012

According to an earlier report in the paper: "Muslim women were pictured with words stating that they are 'heading our way' and will claim benefits for their children from 'our race traitor Government'."

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