Architects sacked over designs for huge mosque

Trustess behind plans to build Europe's largest place of worship have sacked their architects.

The Tablighi Jamaat sect took the decision after the proposals for the mosque were criticised by residents, Christian groups and even Muslim leaders.

In response, architects Ali Mangera and Ada Yvars Bravo have threatened to sue for breach of contract and defamation.

The pair drew up the plans for a £100 million mosque on 18 acres of derelict land at Abbey Mills, next to West Ham Underground station.

They envisaged a building in the style of a tented city, incorporating a prayer room, library, school, gardens, restaurants, residential accommodation and exhibition halls. It would have a capacity of 40,000, increasing to 70,000 if demand grew.

Critics argued that a building of that size would dramatically alter the character of the area.

Relations between the mosque and the local community worsened when it was claimed that Tablighi Jamaat, which has an estimated 80 million followers worldwide, has links with Islamic extremist groups.

It was described by the French intelligence services as "an antechamber of fundamentalism" and two of the 7 July London bombers attended the group's

HQ in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, which is financed by Saudi Arabia.

In a letter to the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, trustees of Abbey Mills mosque said they had severed links with Mr Mangera and Mr Bravo and their intermediary Abdul Khaliq Mian - an activist with George Galloway's Respect party.

The letter states: "Sadly, following unauthorised publication of design concepts and press statements having been made in the name of trustees, it was felt that the relationship with both parties could no longer continue.

"We have never intended to build a mosque the size suggested in the media. Our vision is for a development that enhances the area and provides a mosque and complex that will support our work in the Muslim faith.

"We regret we have inadvertently allowed our opponents the opportunity to use our own naivety against us but we will now address their false and disappointing accusations directly and demonstrate to the community they have nothing to fear or oppose."

Tablighi Jamaat said the new mosque's capacity was only ever going to be less than 12,000, although this would still make it the largest religious building in the country.

New plans will still include a school for 500 pupils, a visitor and conference centre and a 20-bedroom residential centre for visiting VIPs.

Mr Mangera said the trustees were reneging on agreed plans. "We were given a brief about the size of the mosque. This was discussed with Newham council and the London Development Agency and accepted by everyone," he said.

"Perhaps the trustees have been frightened off by the opposition.

"They should have responded to the criticism by speaking to the press and public instead of remaining silent for the last three years."

Mr Mangera and Mr Bravo's award-winning practice has worked on housing projects in south London, an eco-scheme in Bowand developments in Spain.