The Mezquita Foundation of Seville appreciates the granting of the building permit for the Islamic Cultural Centre in Polígono Sur. The entity asserts that the process has prioritised the law over ideologies, in response to the opposition from Vox.
The Mezquita Foundation of Seville has expressed its satisfaction following the granting of the building permit to construct the Islamic Cultural Centre in Polígono Sur. In a statement released this Tuesday, the entity thanked the institutions for ensuring the process reached a successful conclusion and emphasised that during the proceedings, the law has prevailed over ideologies.
The Foundation's statement comes after the Urban Planning Management Council approved the permit. Municipal reports concluded that the project complies with urban planning regulations and that there are no grounds to initiate the additional citizen participation process requested by Vox, a partner of the PP in the local government.
The permit had been postponed on July 10 to study the objections raised by the far-right party. Ultimately, the governing team dismissed the allegations and authorised the commencement of works, a step that the Foundation considers crucial for the project's development.
The organisation has pointed out that the resolution confirms that Seville operates within a solid legal framework. However, it reminded that the municipal authorisation is merely one more step in a project that still has a long way to go. The Foundation has assured that it will continue to work with all the enthusiasm and composure that this responsibility demands.
A significant portion of the statement is dedicated to the residents of Polígono Sur, where Vox has focused its campaign against the mosque. The Foundation has expressed its sincere commitment to the development of the neighbourhood and harmonious coexistence, assuring residents that its doors will always remain open.
The entity has reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue with all Sevillians and their political representatives, regardless of their affiliation, to explain both the Foundation's activities and the project's characteristics. It has also thanked the expressions of support received in recent weeks, both public and private.
The promoters' words directly respond to the open front created by Vox, which has been demanding the suspension of the proceedings and a consultation among residents since early July. The party argues that Polígono Sur primarily needs investments in security, cleanliness, employment, housing, education, and public services, presenting the project as part of a supposed process of Islamisation of the neighbourhoods.
Vox has taken this political offensive to the streets through a signature collection campaign and mobilisations against the construction of the centre. In the face of these criticisms, the Foundation now insists on its willingness to integrate into the neighbourhood and participate in its development, attempting to dispel the image of a project alien to the area's needs.
The mayor, José Luis Sanz, has defended that granting a building permit is a regulated act and not a political decision. Sanz has rejected blocking a file that has favourable reports, which has generated tensions with his government partner. The rift between PP and Vox in the City Council has become evident in this matter, which has transcended the local sphere.
The Islamic Cultural Centre, designed by architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, will include a minaret and spaces for prayer, training, and intercultural meetings. The project has been promoted by the Mezquita Foundation of Seville, which has been working for years to provide the city with a representative space for the Muslim community.
The granting of the permit marks a milestone in the processing of the centre, but there are still administrative and construction steps ahead. The Foundation hopes that the works can begin in the coming months, once all procedures are formalised. Meanwhile, the political and social debate surrounding the project remains open.
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