# Planning bosses cite equality law as they approve controversial scheme to expand mosque – as residents claim councillors are ‘scared of being branded racist’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/planning-bosses-cite-equality-law-as-they-approve-controversial-scheme-to-expand-mosque-as-residents-claim-councillors-are-scared-of-being-branded-racist/
- Published: 2026-10-26T17:50:53+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-26T18:03:37+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16239867/Planning-bosses-cite-equality-law-approve-controversial-scheme-expand-mosque-residents-claim-councillors-scared-branded-racist.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Council approves a mosque expansion in Winton.
- Residents cite noise and parking concerns.
- The mosque currently has capacity for 600.

## Summary

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council has approved plans to expand Jamei Mosque in Winton, Bournemouth, despite objections from residents concerned about noise and traffic. The council said the extension was unlikely to unduly affect neighbours and referred to its duty under equality legislation; some residents accused councillors of avoiding a decision that might be seen as Islamophobic.

Residents say worshippers gathering for prayers have contributed to early-morning noise and parking problems on narrow streets, including cars blocking driveways and junctions. The mosque, which opened more than 20 years ago with fewer worshippers, currently has capacity for 600; more than 20 residents objected to the proposal to extend into the loft, warning that extra capacity could worsen existing tensions.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.