Council rapped over mosque plans
Council bosses failed to follow good practice in a row over plans for a mosque in a Lancashire town, an ombudsman has ruled.
Ribble Valley Council refused to sell some of its land for a mosque and business use, taking the decision in a way that was unclear.
The Local Government Ombudsman investigated a complaint that the decision was unreasonable and taken in response to racially motivated local opposition to a mosque.
In her report, ombudsman Anne Seex ((CORR)), found faults in the council's decision-making process, but concluded it was entitled to make the decision.
A man known as Mr Mohammed (not his real name for legal reasons) wanted to buy a portion of council-owned land in Clitheroe for a mosque but met with fierce opposition from neighbours.
The planning committee deferred a decision until it had received a report on the impact of the proposal on the 'social wellbeing' of the neighbouring residents.
But the committee then decided to use the entire site for elderly accommodation, despite being advised it would get more for the land if it was sold for a mosque, business use and housing.
Mr Mohammed complained the council had never previously talked of an urgent need for elderly accommodation.
The development that has now taken place on the land includes only three bungalows among five family houses and 14 apartments.
The lack of clarity and transparency in dealing with the sale of the land had given Mr Mohammed grounds to believe the council had not dealt with him fairly, said the Ombudsman.
The ombudsman found maladministration by the council in its asset management of the site and in not dealing with the sale in accordance with recognised good practice.
She also said the authority had reached a decision that was not supported or justified by the information before the committee.
Although critical of the process, she did not find the decision 'unreasonable'.
She recommended the council pay Mr Mohammed £250 for his time and trouble in pursuing the complaint.
The council has since assisted Mr Mohammed in trying to find another site for use as a mosque.
Source: Prestontoday.net (29/11/2006)
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