dashed as the Development Applications Board (DAB) denied a recent proposal.

A shed at 12 Lighthouse Road in Southampton is currently used as a makeshift prayer centre for many of the Island's Moslems.

Ashmead Ali, one of those who use the shed, had submitted the proposal to the Department of Planning to officially change the use of the shed into a place of worship.

The application included the erection of a new roof over an open area, toilets and the designation of the shed as a prayer hall. But the DAB has turned down the scheme saying that the scale, design, appearance of the development and the social use, "are not compatible with the nature and character of the surrounding area''.

The DAB also said the development would be "injurious to the environment of the surrounding residential area by reason of the scale of operation and the intensity of the use which is considered excessive''.

Inadequate provisions for parking were also listed as a reason the application failed.

Earlier this year Government allowed a Moslem woman to be buried on the property. The situation was considered an emergency as according to Moslem law it had to occur within 24 hours of her death.