They claim a “respectful addition to the building” is proposed — and around 350 people have signed a petition supporting the project.

However, 20 objections have been received, mainly from residents living nearby, who are worried about the impact on the B-listed building as well as parking.

One resident said the area is “already under pressure” and “additional demand would worsen congestion and increase safety risks”.

But a council report states parking impacts “cannot be assessed” as the “use has existed for a significant period of time” and a change of use is not proposed.

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The applicants want to create a single-storey extension to the front of the mosque, on the corner of Dixon Avenue and Langside Road, which was previously a church and an art gallery.

Plans state the building “does not always suit the needs” of its users, particularly ablution (cleansing) which is “a key part of entry into the prayer hall”.

“This extension would create a more accessible and visible point of entry and would position ablution at the beginning of any journey through the building,” they add.

The application also states the extension isn’t intended to increase footfall and is “seen as vital to the longer term sustainability” of the centre. No parking is proposed as visitors “rely on the ease of free parking… in the immediate vicinity”, public transport or a shuttle bus.

Bailie Elaine Gallagher, Greens, who represents Southside Central, objected to the application as she believes the “proposed work is incompatible with the architectural heritage” of the building and the Crosshill conservation area.

She added: “While it is laudable that the building’s current use is so successful… usage of the building has led to regular problems of double parking and blockage of traffic, as well as noise and anti-social behaviour.”

Another objector said: “Around busy times there is a lot of double parking up the whole of Langside Road and sometimes blocking the fire access paths. It makes it dangerous for pedestrians and for drivers.”

One resident added: “The proposed front extension will irreversibly damage the building’s original façade and architectural integrity.”

The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland said a modern extension “of such scale and style” across the principal façade would be “insensitive”.

The petition in favour of the plan states: “We the community residing in the area and those that attend here at Al-Farooq education and community centre support the new extension to the front of the building, which would facilitate a new accessible entrance and provide additional facilities necessary for the use of the building. 

“The new development will be of the highest design and material quality which also respects and integrates with the existing historic environment.”

In a council report, planners state the proposed extension is “of high quality and respects the historic character of the church by retaining visibility of key architectural features and with limited attachment to the main building, ensuring reversibility”.

They add the site is “well served by public transport” and the extension will “support the regeneration of the area by investing in a valued community facility”.

Originally established as Hutchesontown Free Church, the building became Crosshill Victoria Free Church before it was converted to an art gallery and exhibition centre, known as Maxwell Studios, in 1971. It was purchased for its current use in 1998.