MAIL ONLINE: A controversial plan to build a mosque with two 100ft minarets next to Sandhurst has been scrapped to the jubilation of thousands of residents.
The £3million building would have had a clear view over the military academy and is just 400 yards from its parade ground - prompting fears it could be a security threat.
A listed Victorian school building was set to be demolished to make way for the huge Saudi Arabian-style building.
More than 6,500 residents signed a petition to oppose the application because of fears it would change the Victorian character of the area.
The proposal for the mosque in Camberley, Surrey, has finally been rejected by the local council at a public meeting - to cheers of joy from residents.
Hundreds had lined the streets outside to protest against the mosque, waving placards which said 'Camberley Says No!' and 'Hands off Our Heritage! We Want Justice!'
Planning papers showed that the massive structure would have towered over local buildings.
As well as the two minarets, it would have featured a large central dome, five smaller outlying domes, a morgue, a library and a separate worship area for women.
It would have overlooked Sandhurst where hundreds of newly-commissioned Army officers take to the parade ground each year for the academy's passing out ceremony.
The event attracts senior members of the Royal Family, including the Queen when her grandson Prince Harry was commissioned in 2006. >>> Paul Bentley and Lucy Ballinger | Thursday, March 11, 2010
