South Woodford Mosque resubmits controversial redevelopment plans to Redbridge Council

Imam Dr Mohammed Fahim, South Woodford Mosque in Mulberry Way (Image: Archant)

Proposals have been relodged to demolish the the South Woodford Community Centre Mosque, in Mulberry Way, and build a three-storey building for the benefit of “all members of the community” in its place.

New images of South Woodford Mosque which were handed to Redbridge Council on March 31. (Image: Archant)

The original plans were thrown out by Redbridge Council’s planning committee due to nearby residents’ concerns that a three-storey building would be too large and overshadow the surrounding area.

But the Qu’rani Murkuz Trust (QMT), which runs the mosque, has attempted to address the issues raised by committee members.

QMT secretary Qaiser Malik told the Recorder: “The trust has since taken on board the additional observations made by the committee members in the last meeting as well as those made by the public regarding volume and design as well as privacy and light.

“In consultation with the Redbridge planning department, the trust has made appropriate changes and alterations to the design and volume of the new redevelopment plan.”

Mr Malik said the trust hoped and expected that the committee would be pleased to approve the application after viewing the revised plans.

The resubmitted proposal once again includes three floors consisting of a prayer hall, a community hall and three residential flats on the second floor.

But proposals for the top floor have been scaled down after residents expressed their concerns with the size of the initial proposal.

The new plans also include aesthetic alterations the facade of the building.

But despite these changes, 13 objections to the application have already been lodged with Redbridge Council since it was submitted on March 31.

Concerned resident Fay Moore, of Cowslip Road, South Woodford, again raised the issue the building would be an “eyesore” in a residential area.

“This would be the case whether or not the applicants had suggested a reduction in the height of the three-storey design,” she said.

“We choose to live in a residential area, and this statement building is neither in keeping with that, nor is it in keeping with the surrounding buildings.”