By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
NEIGHBOURS have accused proponents of a proposed Doveton mosque of “giving us the finger” after a recent submission to boost the height of the mosque’s minarets to 20 metres.
Last year Casey council approved the yet-to-be built Omar Farooq Mosque, which included domes and a single minaret up to a height of 11.5 metres, for a site at 27-31 Green Street.
Under a proposal submitted to the council in August, the Afghan mosque’s proponents have sought a second minaret and for both towers to be built up to 20 metres.
The proponents also want to raise the domes’ maximum height from 11.5 to 12.5 metres, and make architectural style changes “more reflective of the culture”.
Trevor Wishart, one of the objectors whose homes back onto the industrial-zone site, said the proponents were “trying to get us angry and sell up”.
He said it appeared the mosque’s proponents were in a “piddling contest” with other towering mosques in the region.
“This is incitement by these people. It’s like they’re giving us the finger.
“I don’t mind if people are religious as long as they don’t step on my toes.”
Mosque spokesman Rokhan Akbar said the extra minaret and boosted heights were “cosmetic”, bringing balance and symmetry to the building.
“We’re in no way having any intention of causing any hindrance or causing trouble with the neighbours.
“After we had talks with the architect, the building didn’t appear to look like mosques in Afghanistan.
“It looked like a modern factory, so we revamped the whole design.
“There are no stairs in the towers. They are only cosmetic structures.”
He said the building would be a community centre for Muslims and non-Muslims, and would include a mosque as well as facilities for young people to “integrate” by playing volleyball, soccer and basketball.
“We will host community events which we will invite neighbours to come and learn about our faith.
“We’re always open to residents if they’re objecting.
“That’s why we’re moving from a residential zone to an industrial zone.”
Last year the original proposal was opposed by 300 objectors and 2000 petition signatories.
One of the opponents was the Catch the Fire Ministries which planned to build a church next door but sold its block to the mosque last year.
Objecting neighbour Eileen Lewis said the proposed building would loom large over neighbours’ back fences.
“It will dominate. Three or four factories have gone up next door – I don’t know how it will work. There will be huge traffic congestion.”
In the submission, mosque spokesman Rokhan Akbar told the council that “in all mosque buildings the minarets are much higher than the domes”.
Casey’s acting planning manager Nick Moore said there were no prescribed height limits for the zone.
“Built form, including height, needs to be appropriate in the context of the area.”
