A CONTROVERSIAL bid to convert premises in London Colney into a mosque won temporary planning permission last night on the casting vote of a committee chairman. Despite residents objections, the plan to convert Cemex House in Barnet Road into an Islamic

A CONTROVERSIAL bid to convert premises in London Colney into a mosque won temporary planning permission last night on the casting vote of a committee chairman.

Despite residents' objections, the plan to convert Cemex House in Barnet Road into an Islamic centre was approved by St Albans council's plans (south) committee for a three year period during which it will be monitored.

Previously it had been rejected on the grounds that it would attract far more than the estimated 50 worshippers.

Letters sent by more than 100 residents objected to the scheme on the grounds of traffic fears, narrowness of the access road, insufficient parking and noise.

The local Muslim community currently use the parish meeting room on White Horse Lane once a week for Friday prayers.

The decision was finely balanced with committee chairman Cllr Geoff Harrison casting the deciding vote.