Source/Credit: Your Local Guardian
By James Trueman | July 19, 2011
An application to redevelop the UK's oldest Ahmadiyya mosque has been turned down because of concerns it would increase congregation numbers and cause traffic chaos.
The public gallery was packed last Thursday, July 14, when Wandsworth Council's planning applications committee met to discuss plans to redevelop the London Mosque on Gressenhall Road, Southfields.
Proposals included the replacement of the administration block and multi purpose hall and constructing new residential accommodation in Melrose Road which would increase the size of the mosque.
East Putney councillor Leslie McConnell made representations on behalf on residents from nearby roads, speaking out against the plans.
He said: "They will create travel and parking chaos on a huge scale.
"They do not need an extension of anything like this."
Council leader Ravi Govindia read a statement out on behalf of the mosque, which has argued that the redevelopment would not attract more worshippers and is needed to improve the facilities for its current congregation.
Councillor Maurice Heaster said: "Until the development takes place, you do not know what the impact is going to be.
"It is common sense that the sheer size will mean an increase in activity."
Committee chairman Councillor Nick Cuff said in summing up: "Having looked around the site myself, I am of the view it needs upgrading.
"Local residents hold the Ahmadiyyas in very high regard. But what is driving the plans to redevelop is driving the objections."
Planning officers had recommended to approve the plans subject to a legal agreement but a motion was put forward to overturn the recommendation and refuse the application.
It said: "The redevelopment of the mosque site by reason of the increase in size of prayer areas could result in an increased intensification of use on an already intensively used site leading to an unacceptable impact on the residential amenity of the neighbouring properties by reason of increase in parking and traffic movements."
The committee voted by six votes to two ot reject the application.
Coun Cuff added: "I do think there is a solution for this site. There is goodwill in the community and a willingness to find an alternative proposal. However such a proposal cannot be based on increasing space, it must be one which achieves a balance with upgrading the accommodation whilst managing better the impacts of the site on the surrounding area."
A spokesman for the London Mosque said: "We will review and consider the points raised by the planning committee.
"We still believe the modernisation of the mosque is in the interests of all as this would have provide much needed relief to members whilst at the same time taking into account the needs of the local neighbours."
Read original post here: Southfields' London Mosque renovation plan rejected
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