Mosque extension and minaret at Unit 1 Ivy Arch Road, Worthing

What was proposed

The application proposed two additional storeys, a rear extension, recladding, altered windows and a minaret, creating community facilities and ancillary accommodation.

“Proposal: Proposed 1st and 2nd floor rear extension; two additional storeys above existing building; re-cladding building; alterations to fenestration and erection of minaret…”

“The extended areas provide classrooms, community/ games room, sports hall, gym, kitchen and dining room. There are also 3 studio flats proposed, to provide ancillary accommodation to the Welfare Centre for a live-in caretaker and visitors.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey building in an industrial area north of the railway, with parking at the front and rear.

“The site is located on the southern side of Ivy Arch Road, an industrial area to the north of the railway line.”

“The site is currently in use by the Worthing Islamic Social and Welfare Society, it is a two storey flat roof brick and render building with five car parking spaces to the front and an area to the rear with informal parking.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered conversion to an Islamic cultural centre and several external alterations between 1993 and 2005.

“Relevant Planning History 93/05365/FULL - R B A HOUSE IVY ARCH ROAD - CHANGE OF USE FROM BUILDERS STORE AND OFFICE TO AN ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE STATUS: Application Permitted 10th November 1993 00/00270/FULL - External alterations to front (north) and rear (south) elevations STATUS: Conditional Consent 2nd May 2000. 00/01120/FULL - External alterations to front (north) elevation STATUS: Conditional Consent 2nd January 2001.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions, finding the enlarged facility suitable for the location and transport impacts acceptable.

“Conclusion The application proposes a distinctive extension to an existing building which is currently used for religious, community and cultural events. Although proposing a larger building than immediate development, its location on the outskirts of the town centre with a mixture of development heights and styles means that there is an opportunity to provide an enlarged and architecturally enhanced building to serve this community purpose, as supported by policies.”

“Recommendation : Delegate Authority to the Head of Planning Services to grant approval subject to completion of a legal agreement and subject to conditions, including:-”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

The highway authority found no transport grounds to resist the proposal, while drainage, environmental health and travel plan matters required conditions.

“In summary, the LHA does not consider that this proposal would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety or result in ‘severe’ cumulative impacts on the operation of the highway network, therefore is not contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 116), and that there are no transport grounds to resist the proposal.”

“No part of the development shall be first occupied until such time as a Travel Plan Statement has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan Statement shall be completed in accordance with the latest guidance and good practice documentation as published by the Department for Transport or as advised by the Highway Authority.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Four registered speakers, including the ward councillor, supported the application and described measures to reduce parking pressure.

Members’ debate

Members strongly supported the design and the mosque’s work providing safe spaces and community services.

“During debate the Members agreed that the application was a good one and they were very keen on the proposed design. The committee recognised the excellent work the mosque was a part of, providing safe spaces for vulnerable people and the positive impact this had on our town. Members thought it extremely important to give the mosque more space to continue this work and all fully supported the application.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously accepted the officers’ recommendation with amended conditions.

“A proposal was put forward to accept the officers recommendation with some amended conditions. This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

The decision

Authority was delegated to grant approval subject to a legal agreement, amended conditions and checks with the Fire and Rescue Service.

“Decision - Delegate Authority to the Head of Planning Services to grant approval subject to completion of a s.106 legal agreement and subject to Officers checking with the Fire & Rescue Service, to ascertain whether there are fire safety requirements (such as hydrants, internal sprinklers, means of escape, or fire evacuation plan), which would not otherwise be controlled through the separate Building Control / Fire Safety approval process, and if so to attach an appropriate…”

Minutes