The latest planning application for the redevelopment of the South Woodford Community Centre Mosque has been rejected after only one councillor voted in favour of the plans.
Of the six-man panel, four councillors voted against the redevelopment, in Mulberry Way, citing issues with “the size and the bulk of the building” as Cllr Michael Stark (Conservative, Monkhams) concluded at the meeting at Sir James Hawkey Hall, in Broomfield Road, last night.
Before voting Cllr Robin Turbefield (Con, Bridge) and Cllr Gwyneth Deakins (Liberal Democrat, Roding) both stressed the need to separate any issues with the planning application from the work which the mosque does for the surrounding area.
Cllr Turbefield said: “First of all, I would like to say what a wonderful job the centre does but that does not come into my mind when deciding on this.
“The building does need updating. I have some concerns as I have done before on the height.”
Cllr Deakins added the planning application was an improvement on the last planning application which was rejected in December, but put forward concerns on traffic and parking to the planning committee.
“If these issues are not mentioned they will become an elephant in the room,” she added.
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Controversial South Woodford Community Centre Mosque plans to be decided
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