A MOSQUE has been given permission to expand into a former car workshop.

Sandwell Council has approved a planning application for Oldbury Jamia Masjid to convert an empty car workshop adjoining the existing mosque in Oldbury Road, Smethwick, into a main hall, classrooms and segregated washing facilities.

The application said the extension would allow funerals and parties to be held at the mosque.

A first-floor extension would also be built as part of the work.

The mosque received planning permission from Sandwell Council in 2020 to carry out major work which included a new dome and minaret and a new extension.

A statement included with the application said: “The proposed development is to serve as an ancillary to facilitate the existing Jamia Masjid.

"The proposal would not result in an increase in users but is rather to provide additional facilities and prayer space to existing users.

“Primarily the proposed development would accommodate religious educational classes between the hours of 4.30pm and 6.30pm on weekdays only. 

“Occasionally the space would be used as an overflow for the existing Masjid on Oldbury Road however this is expected to be twice a year on the occasion of Eid, it should be noted that this would only be during the prayer time which lasts approximately 45 minutes.

"The proposed development would have 6 members of staff and 120 students.”

The mosque already has 55 parking spaces and 12 more spaces would be included as part of the latest work.

The report from the council outlining the approval said: “The proposal is to provide ancillary accommodation for the existing adjacent mosque … Highways have reviewed the submitted information and raised no objections subject to a condition stating that the proposed function halls shall not be used at the same time as the prayer rooms of the adjacent mosque. 

“Public health has also reviewed the proposal and raised no objections subject to a condition for hours of operation and no external amplified sound.”