Glasgow City Council has approved plans for an extension to the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre mosque in Crosshill.

The application was submitted by the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre, located on Dixon Avenue in Crosshill, Glasgow Live reported.

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Glasgow City Council’s planning committee gave the proposal the green light, allowing a single-storey extension to be built as part of efforts to better meet the needs of worshippers and community users.

The single-storey addition will provide dedicated ablution facilities, a key part of preparing for prayer, and is seen as vital to the mosque’s long-term sustainability.

Support

While the project received strong backing from the mosque’s community, with around 350 people signing a petition in support, it also attracted 20 formal objections.

Residents living nearby argued that the surrounding area is “already under pressure” and that any “additional demand” could worsen existing parking congestion.

In response, the applicants stated that the extension is not expected to increase footfall at the mosque and stressed that the development is “vital” to the centre’s long-term sustainability.

Council planners agreed with this assessment, describing the proposal as a “respectful addition” to the existing structure.

At Tuesday’s planning meeting, a council planner addressed concerns about usage and parking, stating:

“Because we are just looking at an extension in this case, the use and the impact of that use is outwith our control.

“One of the changes they did make is that they introduced some potential cycle parking to try and encourage the worshippers to come by bike or to walk.”

Local councillors ultimately backed the planning officers’ recommendation to approve the application.

Cllr Mhairi Hunter of the SNP, whose Southside Central ward includes the mosque, acknowledged residents’ concerns but emphasized that the development would not alter current conditions.

“Parking is a very significant issue,” she said. “In the papers, it highlights that this application doesn’t change the status quo.”

With approval now granted, the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre will be able to proceed with its extension, aimed at improving facilities for worshippers while maintaining its existing role within the neighbourhood.