Almost 30 faith leaders in north London have condemned as racist objections made by some residents to a new Islamic centre based in the former Hippodrome in Golders Green. It has submitted a planning application to Barnet council for the venue to be used as a Muslim community centre and mosque. The proposal triggered a wave of objections from residents, many of whom cited concerns such as parking and congestion. But some openly opposed a Muslim centre in an area with a large Jewish population on the grounds that it would attract “undesirables” or endanger people’s safety. The Islamic centre submitted a planning application for change of use from “church” to “place of worship”, and to extend its hours of opening.

Source: The Guardian November 06, 2017 17:52 UTC