David Smith

Lichfield District Council's planning department has not received a planning application or had any discussions with Mr Salam about his ideas for a mosque.

It is not the council's responsibility to provide places of worship for our residents. The only time we would hold a public consultation (in this case) is if somebody formally applied to the council to build a new place of worship within the district.

Councillor David S. Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "Lichfield District gains great strength from its cultural diversity, and welcomes people from all faiths. Our residents should be free to live and work peacefully in the district - In the spirit of harmony and understanding."