The city's planning committee has granted permission for an extension, which will provide extra space for ablution.
15:51, 15 Jan 2026
A southside mosque’s plan to build an extension has been given the go ahead despite complaints over parking.
Glasgow’s planning committee has approved an application from the Al-Farooq education and community centre on Dixon Avenue in Crosshill.
Plans claimed the building doesn’t always suit the needs of its users and a single-storey extension will provide space for ablution — a cleansing ritual which is “a key part of entry into the prayer hall”.
However, there were 20 objections as people living nearby said the area is “already under pressure” and “additional demand” would worsen congestion. Around 350 people from the mosque signed a petition supporting the project.
The applicants said the extension isn’t expected to increase footfall and is “vital” to the mosque’s long-term sustainability. Planners at the council said the “respectful addition” could be approved, and councillors backed their recommendation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, one planner said: “Because we are just looking at an extension in this case, the use and the impact of that use is outwith our control.
“One of the changes they did make is that they introduced some potential cycle parking to try and encourage the worshippers to come by bike or to walk.”
Cllr Mhairi Hunter, SNP, whose Southside Central ward includes the mosque, said: “Parking is a very significant issue. In the papers, it highlights that this application doesn’t change the status quo.
“The problems related to obstructive parking relate primarily to events at the mosque itself, so Friday prayers and so on. It is not directly connected to this. Whatever decision we make today won’t make any difference.”
She added Crosshill is “in scope for parking controls”, and the council will be consulting on these.
Cllr Imran Alam, Labour, added: “I think the reason for the extension is to bring the ablution area and the toilets outwith the mosque space itself. According to Islamic law, these facilities, where you wash before you go for prayers, should always be not connected as such.”
He added the number of worshippers “will probably be the same” and parking controls would “hopefully discourage people from parking illegally and inappropriately”.
The mosque, on the corner of Dixon Avenue and Langside Road, was previously a church and an art gallery. Plans stated the extension would “create a more accessible and visible point of entry and would position ablution at the beginning of any journey through the building”.
Bailie Elaine Gallagher, Greens, who also represents Southside Central, was among the objectors, as she believes the “proposed work is incompatible with the architectural heritage” of the building and the Crosshill conservation area.
She added: “While it is laudable that the building’s current use is so successful… usage of the building has led to regular problems of double parking and blockage of traffic, as well as noise and anti-social behaviour.”
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland said a modern extension “of such scale and style” across the principal façade would be “insensitive”.
But the petition in favour of the plan stated: “We the community residing in the area and those that attend here at Al-Farooq education and community centre support the new extension to the front of the building, which would facilitate a new accessible entrance and provide additional facilities necessary for the use of the building.
“The new development will be of the highest design and material quality which also respects and integrates with the existing historic environment.”
In a council report, planners stated the proposed extension is “of high quality and respects the historic character of the church by retaining visibility of key architectural features and with limited attachment to the main building, ensuring reversibility”.
Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, who chairs the planning committee, said: “It is an interesting design in what is a very fine building.
“We have to accept that in some of these Victorian or Edwardian buildings, we do occasionally need to do some work to them to bring them up to standard for the purposes they are being used for.”
Originally established as Hutchesontown Free Church, the building became Crosshill Victoria Free Church before it was converted to an art gallery and exhibition centre, known as Maxwell Studios, in 1971. It was purchased for its current use in 1998.