Plan for mosque near Britain’s military academy opposed

LONDON - A plan to build a huge mosque overlooking Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, where Prince William and Harry were both trained, was being opposed, a media report said Monday.

Daily Express reported that defence chiefs were resisting plans to build the mosque overlooking the academy as they felt the large dome and two 100-feet minarets would pose a security threat by overlooking the army establishment.

An application to build the mosque has been approved by the Surrey Heath Council.

A defence ministry spokesman said that an objection had been lodged but added it was due to the planned height of the building rather than its use.

Such a tall building would give oversight into Defence property which could prove a security risk, he was quoted as saying.

Local residents were getting a petition signed up against the mosque. Alan Kirkland, who is the campaign leader, said: A lot of people are questioning the size of the minarets, which will overlook the whole academy.

Abdul Wasay Chowdhury of the Bengali Welfare Association stressed: We have designed it (the mosque) very carefully to enhance the local area.