PLANS for a mosque in West Bridgford have been given the go-ahead.

Mohammed Malik, of Loughborough Road, put in the application so Muslims in the area would have somewhere bigger to meet.

A planning application for the two-storey building and car park in Collington Way – behind Asda – was refused in June last year.

But an appeal was lodged and the decision to block the scheme was overturned by the Government'S Planning Inspectorate on Thursday.

Abdul Aziz, 40, of Sherwood, a radio presenter on Muslim community radio, said: "Although there are at least 16 mosques in Nottingham, there's not a single one south of the river, so I think its an excellent idea.

"There's been a Muslim community in West Bridgford for at least 20 years and everyone knows how difficult it is to get across the bridge when traffic is busy. It's about choice and convenience."

Mike Wood, of ADDC Architects, who submitted the plans on behalf of Mr Malik, said: "The planning process ended with an appeal where our case was granted. So now we have a planning application approved."

A statement to Rushcliffe Borough Council by ADDC Architects in the original plans said activities at the mosque would be quiet and many visitors would arrive on foot or bus.

But residents are upset by the appeal decision.

Richard Lambert 78, of East View, which runs off Collington Way, said: "The residents are up in arms and shocked at this decision.

"The factor is this – it's a cul-de-sac and they want to build this mosque.

"We are going to be swamped by cars – and when they come down, where are they all going to turn round?

"We are old age pensioners who live in bungalows. This mosque is going to tower over us. It's a ridiculous decision."

A petition signed by objectors was submitted to the council during the original planning process.

tanya.holden@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk