A PETITION calling for the council to reject plans to build an Islamic community centre in Timperley is gaining momentum.

Altrincham and Hale Muslim Association (AHMA) is currently preparing a planning application to erect a community centre on Thorley Lane, opposite Wyevale World of Pets.

The proposed 2,000sqm two-storey building centre would replace the Islamic Cultural Centre at the former St David’s Church on Grove Lane, which has been deemed no longer fit for purpose due to the association’s growing community.

Since news of the proposals broke, many residents have voiced their concerns, primarily as the site is in the Green Belt.

An Avaaz.org community petition has been set up asking for Trafford Council to reject the plans when they come to committee, on the grounds of Greenbelt erosion, parking displacement and congestion.

The petition has garnered 820 signatures of support so far.

Maurice Rushby and a number of other concerned residents have also delivered around 2,000 leaflets in the Altrincham and Timperley area.

“We have been surprised by the lack of knowledge of this proposal,” he said. “We find people to be most shocked when they hear about it for the first time.

“It has drawn a large number of objections and a petition arose from it.

“The level of objection to this proposed desecration of the Green Belt only grows as more publicity is produced.

“It is surprising that the attempts to build on a protected area should be by a Muslim organisation, a religion that goes to enormous and admirable lengths to preach the importance of respect for the environment.”

AHMA said it was disappointed that the petition was launched before the planning application had been finalised.

“As a result, the petition has been produced on incomplete information,” said an AHMA spokesperson.

“What we can say categorically is that the busy times for the community centre are unlikely to coincide with peak traffic times.

“The association has outgrown the current base on Grove Lane, which has no dedicated car parking provision. There is an urgent need for a new bespoke facility for the community and our proposals will include sufficient car parking spaces. As part of the planning application, a transport assessment will be provided which considers how people will access the site.

“Precise details of the proposals will soon be available and we hope that the local residents will fully understand the application and its merits and then form an opinion accordingly.”