January 13, 2016 7.56 pm This story is over 97 months old

Extra parking spaces for Lidl and Lincoln mosque given go-ahead

More parking: The demolition of a former car wash to create parking for a discount supermarket and Lincoln’s first purpose-built mosque has been approved.

The demolition of a former car wash to create parking for a discount supermarket and Lincoln’s first purpose-built mosque has been approved by councillors.

City of Lincoln councillors on the Planning Committee gave their approval to the plans which will see the Arc Car wash on Dixon Street knocked down.

New parking, consisting of 43 spaces, will be provided for Lidl customers.

A new access point would also be created for the mosque and a further six spaces provided to the previously approved scheme.

No amendments are proposed to the mosque as part of this application, with the building predicted to be completed at some point this year.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Tanweer Ahmed, chairman of the Islamic Association of Lincoln, said: “I believe the number of worshippers coming for prayers will remain the same but with additional car parking spaces there will not be an issue of people parking in the streets.

“Second and most important, this will improve visibility of the mosque in Lincoln which is excellent for Lincoln and Lincolnshire.

“Talking to a number of Muslims, including local residents, they are very excited with these important developments.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

But Kevin Clarke, who represents Boultham on Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Without doubt the application when successful will attract more traffic.

“I would like both the city and county officers to work together to ease traffic on Dixon Street before adding to the problem.”