The communities secretary, Greg Clark, has dismissed appeals against the refusal of planning permission for a controversial mosque in east London that would have held up to 9,000 worshippers.
The Islamic missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat had sought permission for the 17-acre site near the Olympic Park for about 18 years. The Department for Communities and Local Government cited concerns over local housing provision and conflict with the council's local plan.
Newham council welcomed the decision, stating the land could accommodate over 1,100 homes and 15,000 sq m of retail and community space. The trust must cease use of the site as a place of worship within three months.
Local reactions were mixed. Mustafa Ahmed said the mosque was not necessary, while Mahmoud Khan expressed disappointment. Keith Lee noted there were already sufficient mosques in the borough.
The DCLG refused planning permission on economic and social grounds, particularly the loss of housing provision given the council's target of 40,000 new homes by 2027.
