Temporary marquee extension at British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road, Manchester

What was proposed

The application sought to retain an existing temporary marquee for a further three years, with associated listed building consent.

“In 2013 the British Muslim Heritage Centre obtained planning and listed building consent for the erection of a temporary marquee for use in association with the centre. This was subsequently renewed in 2016, 2019 and 2022 subject to conditions, which have been discharged. This report relates to the planning application to retain the existing temporary marquee for a further 3 years and for associated listed building consent.”

Officer report

The site and marquee

The marquee stands within the landscaped grounds of a Grade II* listed building in the Whalley Range Conservation Area, near residential properties.

“The British Muslim Heritage Centre is a grade II* listed building, set in extensive landscaped grounds between College Road and Clarendon Road in the Whalley Range Conservation Area. Boundary treatment includes a stone wall and railings to College Road, and the gate posts and entrance are grade II listed. This entrance is, however, rarely used and the main vehicle access is currently taken from the northeast corner of the site on College Road.”

“Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent (refs:100277 and 100278) were granted in September 2013 for the siting of a marquee located on the hard standing and grassed area to the south of the west wing. The marquee provides a large floor space for functions, such as weddings and conference events, Friday prayers, and for prayers during religious festivals, which are attended by up to 800 people.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The marquee was first approved in 2013 and renewed in 2016, 2019 and 2022, while a permanent replacement had not yet been submitted.

“A further application to vary the hours of use condition to allow the use of the marquee until 1.30am for night prayer during Ramadan 2018/2019 was approved under reference 116225/JO/2017.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers advised refusal because continued use would harm residential amenity, the listed building’s setting and the conservation area, with benefits no longer outweighing that harm.

“Public benefits For proposals that are likely to cause less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, the NPPF states that the harm should be weighed against the public benefits. It is acknowledged that there are some public benefits to be derived from the extension of the use of the marquee for functions that would fund the long-term economic future of the listed building.”

“Conclusion Consideration has been had to the benefit of retaining the marquee for a further temporary period to contribute towards maintaining the long-term future economic use of the listed building.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Ward Councillor Aftab attended the hearing and asked the committee to conduct a site visit.

Members’ discussion

Councillors considered that a site visit was needed to understand concerns about the marquee and make an informed decision.

“Councillor Andrews proposed that the Committee conduct a site visit.”

“Councillor Curley seconded the motion for reasons around concerns raised regarding the marquee and to be confident in making an informed decision.”

Minutes

What happened

The committee deferred consideration of the application so members could visit the site before deciding it.

“Manchester City Council Minutes Planning Committee 20 November 2025 The Committee resolved to defer consideration of the application in order to conduct a site visit to understand concerns raised regarding the marquee and to be confident in making an informed decision. (Councillor Hassan declared an interest in this item and withdrew from the hearing, taking no part in the discussion or voting.”

Minutes