A MOSQUE will definitely not be built in a Lincoln suburb after its backers' final appeal was denied.

Lincoln's Islamic Association had wanted to create a new, purpose-built mosque on the site of an old tin chapel in Church Drive, off Boultham Park Road, which burned down in 2008.

The application was turned down by City of Lincoln Council in October last year after residents raised concerns about traffic problems.

The Islamic Association took its case to the Planning Inspectorate, but yesterday inspectors announced they had ruled against the appeal.

Jean Flannery, vice-chairman of the Boultham Residents' Association, said: "We are pleased that common sense has prevailed because it would have been a nightmare in regard to parking if the mosque had gone ahead.

"But at the same time we do feel for the Muslim community, not having a place of their own to worship.

"I hope that someone helps them find a better place for a mosque, maybe the council or perhaps a landowner could suggest a suitable site that the Islamic Association could buy."

The application had prompted a barrage of opposition from residents and a group on social networking site Facebook, containing 850 members, was also set up.

Most of the objections were centred on parking problems, with locals saying there were not enough parking spaces to accommodate all the worshipers who turn up for Friday prayers.

Ultimately, the report from the Planning Inspectorate agreed.

Inspector Robert Watson said: "I have considerable sympathy with the problems and aspirations of the Islamic Association.

"A new physical focus for their vibrant community is required, particularly in the light of the setbacks they have suffered recently.

"However, my overall conclusion is this site is not appropriate for the location of the proposed development.

"The development of a religious centre associated with an expanding and active Muslim community of subregional importance, in my view, would lead to potentially serious highway and amenity problems."

This leaves Lincoln's Muslim community with no permanent home and services are currently held at the Grandstand in Carholme Road.

Dr Tanweer Ahmed, of the Lincoln Islamic Association, was unavailable for comment.

The group currently owns the site in Church Drive, but it is not clear what will now happen to it.

Mrs Flannery added: "We are asking locals for ideas on what could happen to the site, in the event that the Islamic Association do decide to sell.

"Maybe a community park would be a good idea, or even allotments."

City of Lincoln Council member Councillor Karen Lee, who supported the mosque appeal, said: "While I understand the reasons for the appeal being dismissed, I would support having a permanent mosque site in Lincoln.

"They currently worship at the Lincoln Grandstand Community Centre and I wish them the best of luck in finding somewhere permanent.

"To me, a place of worship is a basic human right."