London, February 22: 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.
The 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.’
—-IANS