A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a mosque in London Colney has been turned down on the grounds that it was likely to attract greater numbers than at first indicated. Council officers had recommended approval for the plan to convert Cemex House in Barnet

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a mosque in London Colney has been turned down on the grounds that it was likely to attract greater numbers than at first indicated.

Council officers had recommended approval for the plan to convert Cemex House in Barnet Road into an Islamic Centre but the recommendation was based on estimates of around 50 people using the place of worship.

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

County councillor for London Colney Chris Brazier said: "The Islamic Centre's website showed they were seeking �1,000 each from 300 people which indicates to me that there will be a far bigger usage than stated in the application. If these people are contributing towards the cost I think they will obviously want to use the facility.

"I think Hertfordshire Highways would have recommended refusal if they realised the site was likely to attract greater numbers than suggested in the application."

He explained that the other reason for refusal was that the site was in a conservation area and such a large establishment would be out of keeping.

The council chamber was packed with representatives from the Islamic Centre and residents opposing the scheme.