Eric Pickles is expected to announce a decision on London’s so-called ‘megamosque’ within the next fortnight, following a three-week public inquiry last year. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government was tasked with hearing the case after years of disputes and Newham Council’s rejection of planning application to build a large complex incorporating accommodation, a library, school and prayer halls. The original plans included capacity for at least 40,000 simultaneous attendees, although these were later scaled down due to widespread negative reaction. It is the size in particular – four times the capacity of St Paul’s Cathedral – that concerns objectors most, as well as issues regarding the usefulness of the site for the whole community. The site in Stratford has been owned by Tablighi Jamaat since 1996. A dogmatic and rigid branch of Islam, Tablighi Jamaat seeks to encourage Muslims to follow a stricter version of the faith