Preston Mosque Seeks Approval for Call to Prayer Broadcasts
The Preston Muslim Society has submitted an application to the Preston City Council to change the conditions of the planning permission for the Masjid-e-Salaam mosque in Watling Street Road.
The application would allow the mosque to use external equipment to amplify the Adhan/Call to Prayer for the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha festivals, Lancashire Post reported on Thursday.
The application states that the broadcasts would be strictly limited and only occur on those four days.
Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In 2024, Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10, based on astronomical predictions.
Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival that honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail for God. In 2024, Eid al-Adha is likely to start on the evening of Sunday, June 16 and end on the evening of Wednesday, June 19.
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The mosque, which opened in 2016, has 315 prayer spaces, an IT centre, and classrooms. It was built on the site of the former Park Hotel after a four-year legal battle by the Preston Muslim Society.
The mosque's plans were initially approved by the Preston Council in 2007, but later rejected due to concerns about road safety and conservation. A revised application was also rejected after modifications were made. The Muslim Society appealed the decision and won the case.
Planning inspector Louise Crosby ruled after a two-day hearing that the mosque could proceed, saying: “The proposal would respect the character and appearance of the Fulwood Conservation Area and not be prejudicial to highway or pedestrian safety.”
Source: Agencies
