CONFUSION surrounds plans for a replacement mosque in Dudley after councillors quizzed Muslim leaders about a £325,000 settlement offer.

Dudley Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Management Board is considering a proposal from Dudley Muslim Association (DMA) to pay the cash to secure a controversial site on Hall Street, near the town centre.

The site is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings between the DMA and the authority, concerning the ownership of the land and the money has been offered as an out of court settlement.

But committee members were left scratching their heads after Mahmood Hussain, who claimed to be the DMA’s company secretary, gave evidence at the meeting on yesterday evening (Monday).

Mr Hussain said that not all of the Muslim community had been consulted prior to the cash offer being put forward and discussions would have to take place within the community if the council accepted.

He could not elaborate on the extent of the consultation but added that although he didn’t agree with the sum of £325,000 being offered for the site, he did believe that Hall Street was “the best site for the mosque”.

When it was put to him that Abdul Kayum was listed on documents as the DMA’s company secretary, Mr Hussain maintained that he held that position and blamed “governance issues” for the error.

His revelations worried committee members, who questioned whether it was actually a solid offer being discussed with the right people, with numerous councillors, including Dean Perks and Elaine Taylor voicing concerns about “factions within the DMA”.

Arbab Nazir, who has led the DMA’s negotiations with the council, elaborated on the leadership issues, when he gave evidence.

He said: “This is an internal matter we have been dealing with for more than two-and-a-half years. There was a change of governance in 2013 and while some people may claim to be the company secretary, Mr Kayum is.”

Committee chairman Councillor Dave Tyler said the council accepted Mr Kayum as the company secretary but added: “This is an internal matter but it needs to be sorted out. People purporting to be who they aren’t doesn’t look good on your committee or these proceedings.”

Dr Nazir agreed and added: “This is a firm offer from the DMA and once you accept, which I hope you will, we will take that back to the community, who are fully behind this.

“We will start work immediately and take all steps to clear the site and raise money within the community - all building will be funded by community donations and there is no doubt about it, we will be able to raise the money for this development.”

Dr Nazir said the DMA had already exchanged two pieces of land - in Porter Street to make way for Dudley Southern Bypass and Claughton Road site to allow redevelopment around the Cavendish Quarter - and Hall Street was the only remaining viable option.

But the location of the proposed development was an issue for Dudley resident Phillip Wimlett, who questioned if the DMA needed a site “that big” as 70 per cent of the site would be taken up with external landscaping – with just 30 per cent given over to the new development itself.

The 66-year-old said the community centre facilities also caused concern among residents as it was “duplicating facilities we already have in Dudley”.

Mr Wimlett said he thought the £325,000 being offered for the site was “a derisory amount”, which should be rejected, adding: “It could be put up for sale at a realistic price.”

However Roger Kendrick, a Dudley resident and member of Unite Against Fascism, said he thought the issue “should have been resolved years ago in favour of the DMA”.

He said accepting the offer would put an end to right wing demonstrations in the town and added: “Neighbouring councils of Sandwell and Wolverhampton must wonder what Dudley’s problem is as they cater for all faiths and religions with no problems.”

After considering all evidence, the committee will make a recommendation to cabinet regarding the offer.

The meeting reconvened this afternoon and is due to conclude tonight (Tuesday).