Councillors unanimously rejected plans for the mosque and madressa, or religious school, on the corner of Barnsley Road and Osgathorpe Road, which was planned to replace the smaller mosque and portable outbuildings.

It would have seen the building of an Islamic-styled mosque with long arched windows, a dome and a minaret which would have been lit at night.

But crucially it would have also have seen a big increase in the numbers of people visiting the area. The prayer hall alone would have allowed the number of people attending the mosque to triple to 300.

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One resident told a packed Sheffield Council West and North Planning and Highways Area Board the new mosque would be "large and overbearing" and would lead to an increase in noise, traffic and a loss of lights for nearby residents. He said there were already six mosques within a radius of one mile.

Some members of the local Muslim community also spoke against the scheme saying the congestion, nuisance and noise it would create would impact on everyday life.

Maureen Green, whose sister 72-year-old Shirley Harrison lives next door to the proposed site, said her sister had been the target of intimidation, because of her opposition to the new mosque.

She said: "She has had people waiting outside her house, graffiti sprayed on her windows and has been continually asked 'When are you moving?'."

But Coun Ibrar Hussain, who spoke in support of the mosque, said despite the "fear and perception" the mosque would be a benefit to the community.

Mrs Harrison said that she was "delighted" by the decision, but Coun Ibrar Hussain said: "I think that we will appeal. I was very surprised."


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