Man with links to EDL addressed council meeting about mosque

“The six voted against the proposal despite planning officers recommending the development be approved.

“And questions have also been raised as to why committee chairman councillor David Osland allowed “Mosquebuster” Gavin Boby to address the chamber, despite knowing of his links to the far-right English Defence League.

“Councillors further clashed at the meeting – policed by around eight Met officers – which ended in plans for an Islamic place of worship coupled with multi-faith community facilities defeated by an all-Conservative six votes to an all-Labour five.

“When asked why he allowed Mr Boby – who the Advertiser last month revealed helped compose 600 opposition leaflets circulated around Purley by New Addington EDL member Frank Day – to speak, Mr Osland added: “Yes we did know about his background.

“”I didn’t ask him to speak. He went through the proper channels and was allowed to speak.

“”I suspected he might try to get up to some nonsense and I brought it to an end. He is a horrible man and represents a horrible view of society.”

“He confirmed he has powers to prevent people from speaking.

“Mr Boby, whom the Advertiser understands does not live in the borough, told the meeting the centre should be refused on traffic and parking grounds, before saying: “Islamic doctrine is unfortunately…”, at which point councillor Osland cut him off, saying: “I won’t hear anything about religion. I only listen to planning matters.”

“Mr Boby retorted: “You are bound by law…”, before Mr Osland interjected again, saying: “I’m not going to have any of that here.”

“However, Mr Boby had been given a three-minute slot prior to last Thursday’s committee meeting to share alongside Coulsdon resident Deborah Baggott, who also spoke against the application in Russell Hill Place, Purley.

“The committee heard 431 people responded to the planning application.