Helsingør city council announces temporary ban on new mosque plans

A centre-right majority in Helsingør city council has moved to block plans for a new 1,200-square-metre mosque, citing traffic concerns and space limitations, DR reports.

The council’s decision, approved on Tuesday evening, initiates a one-year process to draft a new zoning plan for the area, effectively halting the project by the local Islamic congregation. Helsingør Islamic Community had proposed constructing a two-storey mosque adjacent to its existing 412-square-metre facility on Egevænget.

Conservative councillor Janus Kyhl argued the expansion was unrealistic. “It’s no secret that I don’t believe there’s space for this project,” he said. Mayor Benedikte Kiær (Conservative) previously expressed concerns over traffic congestion if the mosque were expanded.

The left-wing opposition criticised the ban as counterproductive. Socialist People’s Party councillor Noah James Donkin said the move undermined dialogue: “If you want dialogue, you start with dialogue. Beginning with a ban sets a poor foundation for good discussions.”

The majority coalition behind the decision includes the Conservative Party, Venstre, Liberal Alliance, Denmark Democrats, and the Danish People’s Party. Helsingør Islamic Community has not responded to requests for comment.