THE architect in charge of the controversial conversion of a

Lincoln church has spoken of his dismay after a fire destroyed

the building.

David Glew, of Glew and Smith architect and surveyor based

in the city's West Parade, had produced detailed plans for the

inside of the mosque.

Mr Glew said: "It's been a very upsetting weekend.

"The Islamic Society had already been granted permission for

the car park and the changes to the inside of the building and

we had nearly finished the more detailed drawings for the

plans."

The church was bought in 2006 by the Islamic Association of

Lincoln, which had a mortgage of £62,000 for the 0.26-acre

site.

Now that the building no longer exists, the site is prime

development land which could be worth up to £200,000.

Committee member Dr Tanweer Ahmed said: "We are unsure what

we are going to do next in this situation.

"We are waiting for the outcome of the police investigation

and will then think about how to take our plans forward."

Concerns have been raised that the blaze may have been the

result of a racially motivated attack.

Although police are yet to pinpoint the exact cause of the

fire, this line of enquiry is among those being pursued.

For more on the church fire, see Tuesday's

Lincolnshire Echo.

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