CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a mosque in a residential street are set to be refused by Ribble Valley Council's planning committee next week.

Applicant Arshad Mohammed wants to build the mosque next to an Islamic Education Centre in Holden Street, Clitheroe.

The centre was given the go-ahead by councillors two years ago, despite fierce opposition from residents.

More than 100 have now signed a petition protesting that the proposed development will cause traffic chaos. But two petitions have also been received in support of the plan, one with 53 signatures and the other with 124.

Planning officers will recommend refusal on Tuesday on the grounds that the mosque will cause traffic and noise problems.

It is proposed to house the mosque in a single storey extension to the side of the centre, which is at the end of a row of terraced house in the middle of town.

Members of Clitheroe's Muslim community took to the streets in a placard-waving protest after town councillors refused to back the scheme at a recent meeting.

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