Muslim charity, the Battlers Well Foundation got the green light to redevelop North Harrow Assembly Hall despite protests.
There has been outcry among many local residents over the building proposals on Station Road, North Harrow, due to concerns about the lack of parking and the striking appearance of the structure.
In spite of representations made by three councillors on behalf of residents, the building was approved by the Planning Committee last Wednesday (13th October).
Michael Gavell who is a member of the Headstone North Residents’ Association and lives close to the site said: “The parking problem is terrible. Someone recently parked outside my drive and I had to go down the road to find them. It’s people from outside the area parking.”
However, Akil Dhalla, from Kenton and a supporter of the project said: “The decision is only fair to be granted because it’s a planning issue. The parking is something that’s not being related to the centre. They did a survey and from it there was nothing to report.”
The ruling has ended months of speculation and debate over fate of the site in North Harrow which is currently used as a mosque.
The application was rejected in June last year for failing to meet three requirements which were: appearing “unduly bulky, obtrusive and overbearing”, the increase of on-street parking, and the flood risk given that the site is in an area with a high probability of flooding.
Following the rejection, the charity revised and resubmitted the application after addressing these areas.
There were also worries that the centre would only be for members of the Muslim faith.
But Mr. Dhalla said: “I use the facility now and we hope to get the wider community involved so that we will get every sort of guest, engage our full society.”
The community centre will include an Islamic prayer room, a football pitch, a gym, a café, and other facilities.
For more information about the Battlers Well Foundation go to:
Supporters of the redevelopment waiting outside Harrow's Civic Centre before the planning meeting
North Harrow Assembly Hall on Station Road
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