Minaret will be added to dreaming spires

Oxford City Council has decided to go ahead with permission for a new Islamic studies centre with a 100ft tower and dome to be built on playing fields belonging to Magdalen College.

The plan had sparked opposition from some academics, who feared it was too large and would dominate the Oxford skyline.

The project, which will take 18 months to complete, has received Pounds 20 million from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia and has been des-igned by an Egyptian architect.

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