PLANS to turn a disused church into a mosque and multi-faith community centre were unanimously approved by Newport city council.

The application from the Islamic Society for Gwent proposed internal alterations to the United Reform Church on Victoria Road, Newport, so the building can be used for worship and community activities for the first time since it closed as a church in August 2007.

Concerns were raised about the removal of pews and a world war one memorial from the Grade II listed building to make it suitable for Islamic worship, as well as covering stained glass windows with frosted panels.

But planning officials and councillors said they were satisfied any objects removed from the building would be stored appropriately and it was vital the building be put to good use again.

Secretary of the Islamic Society for Gwent Mubarak Ali said the group was delighted with the unanimous decision and hoped to get on with work to the building as soon as possible.

Plans for multicultural support and outreach services in the building were also still on course.

He added that while work would begin on the inside of the building almost straight away, the society was in the process of applying for funding from CADW and the Big Lottery Fund for more costly restoration work with the cost of the project expected to be in excess of £200,000.

The plans had already received support from the Ancient Monuments Society, the Victorian Society and the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, providing the removed pews were retained and a photographic record was kept of the building’s appearance before any of the changes were made.

Councillor Bob Poole also spoke in support of the society’s plans.

He said: “I think they’re doing an absolutely tremendous job in the community. They have done everything they possibly could to appease everybody and I think we should all encourage them.”