World Bulletin / News Desk

A Muslim group has been denied permission to build a mega-mosque in London, UK media reported.

The Tablighi Jamaat group saw its plan to build the 9,000-capacity venue in West Ham, east London, rejected by members of Newham Borough Council at a planning meeting.

If permission had been granted, Abbey Mills Mosque - also known as the Riverine Centre - would have become one of the biggest Islamic centres in Britain and western Europe.

Tablighi Jamaat currently uses part of the six-hectares Abbey Mills site to house the London Markaz, also referred to as Masjid-e-Ilyas, a temporary hub which can host up to 2,500 people.

But councillors heeded recommendations from the council's officers to reject expansion on the former industrial land, amid strong opposition and concern about the project.

Following meeting, Conor McAuley, Newham Council's executive member for regeneration and strategic planning, said: 'The proposed mosque building is too big and would have an impact on important historic buildings nearby.'