The North Tyneside Bangladeshi Community Association and Mosque has applied for permission to construct a minaret and mihrab.
The association is located on Esplanade Place in Whitley Bay. A mihrab indicates the direction of Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which Muslims face when praying.
A minaret is traditionally the tallest part of a mosque where a Muslim crier, or muezzin, would lead the call to prayer. Muslims can perform salah, prayer, up to five times a day, and such prayers are recognised as the second pillar of Islam. These prayers take place at dawn, just after noon, the afternoon, sunset, and the evening.
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However, Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he had been assured by the agents representing the association the minaret would not be used to lead the call.
The Whitley Bay based Neil Armour Architectural Services are acting as agents on behalf of the North Tyneside Bangladeshi Community Association. The firm provided council officers with the diagrams and blueprints for the prospective minaret and mihrab.
Coun O'Shea said:" I do hope the planning application is approved - the proposed Minaret will be a fantastic addition to the Mosque in the Bangladeshi Centre.
"Whitley Bay welcomes people who have different cultures and religions which adds to the vibrancy of the town."
The decision whether to permit the additions or not will be left to planning officers.
The association has been situated in Esplanade Place since October 29 1992, when the building was converted from two bedsits and four flats into a religious centre.
In 2018 the council permitted a loft conversion in the property for an additional prayer room. The conversion also included a bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen for the use of the imam on a "ad hoc" basis, according to the application documents.
A single story rear extension on the property was also approved by the council in 2014.
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