CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform a former Victorian Methodist Church into a brand new mosque and community centre in Old Hill have been submitted to Sandwell Council.

Last year planners rejected The Old Hill Masjid and Community Group's plans to convert the former Halesowen Road church and Sunday school due to inadequate parking provision.

This week the group submitted another application with improved parking provision which they hope will ease worries Friday afternoon prayers and other events will cause parking chaos around the building.

A spokesman for the group said: "Car parking provision has been made for 22 parking spaces (and two disabled) throughout the course of the week, when general attendance is low.

"There will be an additional eight temporary parking spaces for Friday prayers."

He added: "Additionally, there is an arrangement with Platinum Plaza so that 18 spaces are available on their car park during the afternoon Friday prayers.

"The 48 car parking spaces, along with the abundance of street side parking within a five minute walk at that time should be far more than adequate."

The group believe the new mosque will be a boost for Old Hill.

A spokesman for the group said: “The proposals represent a unique opportunity to realise a significant and lasting solution with community benefit.

“Old Hill has suffered deterioration of the Halesowen Road over many years and there still remains elements of dilapidated and demolished buildings.”

He added: “The site has remained an eyesore with low grade usage and a spiralling decline that tarnishes adjacent buildings and the general townscape.”

“The proposals will transform the overall site with appropriate car parking designation, rear terrace area and complementary ramps for access.

The old building will be renovated inside and outside and will accommodate a large prayer room, classrooms, administrative offices and a multi-purpose community space.

And two smaller single storey buildings at the rear of the former church will be partly demolished and transformed into a two storey extension.

Two entrance towers with domes on top will also be built at the front of the main building but these will not be higher than the original roof.