Sheffield mosque redevelopment prompts opposition petition amid claims some visitors cause 'disruption' and 'nuisance'

Sofeena Aslam presented the petition about disruption at Masjid Umar mosque on Barnsley Road with 22 signatures at a full council meeting this week.

She said: “Despite our objections the mosque was recently granted planning permission for the erection of a purpose built mosque on the site, subject to various conditions.

“We are presenting this petition to inform council members of the disruption the mosque continually causes to our lives and of our fears the construction will inevitably get worse when the new mosque is built.

“Many of us have lived here for many years and recall that it used to be a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood.

“However, since 1998 when the mosque opened we have had to endure nuisance on many occasions and unacceptable behaviour.

“Noise disturbance from people banging car doors and talking loudly outside in small groups, again early in the morning and late at night. Parking on double yellow lines in the middle of the road obstructing entrances to driveways by parking in front of them as if it is a car park.

“We are asking the council to act now, before the new mosque is built in the hope we may have some chance of enjoying a normal life over the coming years.”

Councillor Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport and development, said: “Obviously illegal and inconsiderate parking understandably causes frustration and, in certain instances, safety concerns across many parts of the city.

“I raised your concerns with the parking services team to ask them to include that in the area as part of an enhanced enforcement regime, so you should start seeing more enforcement officers around there.

"Our transport team will review current parking practices close to Osgathorpe Road and consider if there are any additional restrictions we can put in place to try and alleviate those problems."

Plans to extend the mosque were approved by the council's planning and highways committee earlier this year.

There were 313 people and three petitions with a total of 113 signatures against the plans and 311 people and a petition with 165 signatures in support.

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