A MUSLIM group may be forced to sell up and leave its Cradley Heath base after Sandwell councillors refused plans to turn a rundown church hall into a mosque and meeting centre.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association had expected the proposals for St Luke’s Church Hall, Newtown Lane, to be passed, as recommended by officers, and accused councillors of a political decision not based on fairness.

Its president Dr Masood Majoka said he was “in a state of shock” after the planning committee refused the alterations and extensions to create a general purpose hall, minaret, dome, kitchen, toilets and a one bedroom flat.

The AMA bought the building two years ago with a view to refurbishing and extending it and Dr Majoka said they may now have to sell and move elsewhere or consider appeealing against the decision.

“It puts us in a difficult position and I have been in touch with our headquarters in London, but until we receive the exact wording for the reasons for refusal there is not much we can do,” he said.

Committee member and Cradley Heath councillor Julie Webb said members were concerned about possible parking problems and the size of the minaret and dome due to the proximity to houses.

“It would a shame if the association moved because the residents do not mind the mosque and have nothing against the people, but it was felt this was over development of the site,” she said.

Dr Majoka said he was baffled, as planning officers had not thought the proposals were excessive and the highways officer had reported that several traffic surveys had failed to identify any car parking problems.

“We believe this is a political decision not based on fairness,” he said, adding: “In the past two years we've been here, we've managed to raise over £200,000 for local, regional, national and international charities.

“We are worried this decision will badly affect this charitable work. It will be the local residents, the poor and the needy who will suffer the consequences of this decision.

“Our youth do regular litter picking from the local streets. We liaise with the local police, community, councillors and the MPs to maintain and further the local causes and peace in this area. It would be a shame if the local community were to lose these voluntary services.”