Parking worries could hamper plans for a £1 million mosque in Perth.
The Perth Islamic Society has lodged proposals for a new place of worship at an old office block on Jeanfield Road.
The group says it needs new, modern accommodation because its current base in a Glasgow Road flat is becoming too small for the burgeoning Muslim population.
However, the plan has been opposed by people living near the earmarked 17,200sq ft site.
Objectors stress they are not against the mosque proposal in principal, but have raised concerns about an increase in traffic.
The society has said the fast growing community has around 600 members across Perthshire.
However, the mosque plans include just 11 new parking spaces.
In letters to council planners, residents say the route is a main artery for emergency vehicles heading to Perth Royal Infirmary.
They claim that traffic is already “horrendous” with overspill from the hospital making the area dangerous for pedestrians and motorists.
Objector Harry Campbell stated in his letter to planning chiefs: “There has been no traffic plan submitted with the application.
“Therefore with up to 600 worshippers using the facility on any given day, say with 50% car sharing, would mean on an average day there would be additional 600 trips at a very busy and dangerous T-junction at Rose Crescent, bringing the local road network to a complete standstill.
“Jeanfield Road just cannot cope with that additional level of traffic as vehicles will back up past the hospital entrance and also down to Riggs Road.”
Locals have also complained about a lack of detail in the planning application and possible noise problems, as worshippers come and go from the building.
Arif Minhas, a committee member of the Islamic Society, said the new mosque will be built in the traditional style and will include a minaret and a community hall.
He said the Glasgow Road accommodation was no longer big enough for Friday prayers, especially n Eid.
The group paid £225,000 for the land at Jeanfield Road and the purpose-built mosque will cost around £900,000.
Mr Minhas said: “The community is obviously going to grow more and more, so we are not just building it for the community today; we are planning it for another 50 to 60 years.”
Planning chiefs are still considering the society’s bid. It is likely to go before councillors for a final decision in the coming months.
