Ground Zero mosque plans get go ahead

A controversial plan to build a mosque just two blocks from Ground Zero in New York has cleared an important hurdle, according to ABC News.

A developer wants to build a multi-storey mosque and community centre just around the corner from the site of the World Trade Centre, where thousands died on September 11.

The plan has attracted national opposition, but a New York panel removed a key hurdle by ruling that the abandoned building does not have protected status.

Developer Sharif el-Gamal has welcomed the decision.

"It has been a whirlwind for the past four months, during which we have worked tirelessly to realise an American dream," he said.
No date has been set for construction to begin.