Hawzah News Agency (Newark, UK) - Newark Islamic Center, on Appletongate, gained the backing of Newark Town Council's planning committee, and should the district council grant planning permission, it would be a first mosque for the town.

Speaking at a meeting of the town council’s planning committee, where there was unanimous support for the proposed change of use, member Mrs Jane Olson offered her wholehearted supported.

She said: "At the minute, there's nowhere for Muslim's to meet and I wholeheartedly support it."

Mrs Gill Dawn said there had been no backlash or negative comments surrounding the mosque.

"This place has already been operating for some time and there has been no hint of any trouble or any disruption," said Mrs Dawn.

"Everyone has a right to worship whoever they want to and I wish them all the best of luck."

The applicants say the centre aims to be an integral part of Newark and want it to be be a hub of the community, not just for Muslims but for the town as a whole.

Mr Laurence Goff said: "Newark should be inclusive for everybody and its good for the town. We should all welcome the idea."

The Islamic Centre recently became a registered charity and in the future, hopes to buy premises to use as a permanent base.

The alterations at 83-85 Appletongate would see a change from mixed-use retail to a community centre, place of worship, café and shop.

The shop on the ground floor would be converted into a community centre, providing space for community events; meetings for clubs and groups, after-school activities and charitable support for the local homeless.