A MUSLIM group has landed itself in hot water with the borough council after erecting a dome on its mosque in the Lower High Street.

The Cheltenham Muslim Association secured planning permission for the dome from Cheltenham Borough Council five years ago, on the strict condition that it was a neutral copper colour and approved by the council before it was actually built.

But planning officers were left open-mouthed when a new turquoise-coloured dome was placed on top of the building yesterday (fri), alongside two unauthorised flood lights.

Rob Lindsey, the council’s developer control manager, said the association would have to make a new planning application if they wanted to keep the dome.

He said: “Planning permission for the dome was granted on 16 December 2004.

“The permission was granted with the condition that development should not start until samples of the material, a copper-coloured fibreglass, proposed for the dome had been approved by the council.

“These materials should then have been used in the development. We have received complaints about the colour of the dome as constructed and it transpires that the dome has been built without complying with the condition.

“Also, two flood lights have been installed on the roof top which were not part of the planning application and are not authorised.

“Our planning enforcement officer has written to the Imam at the mosque, suggesting a discussion to resolve these issues.”

The sudden appearance of the dome alarmed some passers-by. Tony Davis, from Charlton Kings, said he did not think it fitted in with the surrounding buildings.

The 52-year-old said: “I was driving back from Tewkesbury and I saw this thing that resembled a Belisha beacon.

“It stands out a mile and I really don’t feel it should be there. I felt my blood pressure going up just looking at it.

“It’s all very well having it, but I don’t think it should be allowed to ruin Cheltenham’s skyline like that.”

The Cheltenham Muslim Association was unavailable for comment.