New twist in mosque row
Controversial plans for an £18 million mosque were today set to be scuppered after a Black Country council launched a legal move to reclaim the land.
Dudley Muslim Association had won permission on appeal to build the mosque on land in the town's Hall Street.
But under the terms of Dudley Council's deal with the association, the development had to be "substantially built" by the start of this month. No brick has yet been laid and a detailed planning application not submitted.
Council leader Councillor David Caunt today confirmed wheels are in motion for the council to reclaim the land. "The agreement said 'substantially built by the end of the year' and they haven't even got a detailed planning application in yet," he said.
"There will be a report before the next cabinet meeting on the matter."
DMA leaders have confirmed any attempt to enforce the cut-off will be fiercely contested.
Court action is already pending over the multi-million pound scheme, with the council challenging the decision of a Government's planning inspector to approve the mosque.
The High Court hearing is expected to take place in March or April.