Islamic education centre and mosque at 14 Waterloo Street, Weston-super-Mare

What was proposed

The application would change a charity shop into a place of worship and education centre, add external alterations and create two flats.

“Proposal: Proposed change of use of 14 Waterloo Street from a charity shop (Use Class E) to a place of worship and education centre (Use Class F1) for the Weston Islamic Education Centre/Mosque. External alterations include the installation of new doors and windows to the rear (Palmer Street elevation), as well as the addition of a raised roof light on the flat roof of 66 Palmer Street. The proposal also includes internal reconfiguration works to form 2 no.”

“Site address: Waterloo Street, Ground Floor 16 Waterloo Street and 66 Palmer Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1RU”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The three adjoining buildings lie in Weston-super-Mare’s central area, within the retail core and Great Weston Conservation Area, with residential and commercial surroundings.

“The site, comprising 66 Palmer Street and 14 and 16 Waterloo Street, is in the central area of Weston‑super‑Mare. The buildings have dual access from both Palmer Street and Waterloo Street. It is located within the designated Retail Core, and the Great Weston Conservation Area and is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural uses that give the area a diverse urban character. The site is well served by public transport.”

“The development site spans between Waterloo Street, a busier street with town centre amenities, and Palmer Street, which serves terraced housing and rear access to High Street and Waterloo Street properties. Palmer Street functions as the main entrance to the Mosque and Islamic Centre.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would strengthen community facilities, improve the site’s appearance and conservation setting, and provide an acceptable town-centre use.

“The proposal reorganises and integrates the existing buildings at 66 Palmer Street and 14–16 Waterloo Street to create a more efficient and cohesive Islamic Education Centre. The scheme enhances internal functionality for worship, education, and community use; provides culturally appropriate prayer areas for up to 371 worshippers; introduces sensitive façade improvements that respect the Weston Conservation Area; incorporates flexible community spaces accessed from Waterloo…”

“It is considered that the proposal aligns with national and local planning policy, which takes a positive approach to the provision, enhancement and retention of community facilities, particularly in accessible town centre locations.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

There were 720 objections, 321 supporting comments and five neutral comments, with concerns focused on parking, traffic, heritage, disturbance and retail loss.

“Parking and Traffic Concerns • Existing parking shortages on Waterloo Street, Palmer Street, North Street and surrounding roads • The proposed expansion, educational facilities, and associated gatherings will significantly increase parking demand and congestion • Concerns over increased traffic, congestion, and vehicle movements, especially at peak times and during large gatherings.”

“Impact on Local Residents’ Amenity • Concerns over increased disturbance for nearby residents, including noise, footfall, and general activity outside normal retail hours. • Concerns about the suitability of the site for additional residential flats within the same building. • Over intensive use given the constraints of the existing building and surrounding streets. • Concerns about potential 24‑hour disturbance if a mortuary facility were included…”

Officer report

Who spoke to members

A town council representative and the applicant’s agent spoke in support, while a local resident spoke against the application; a ward councillor also supported it.

What members discussed

Members discussed the loss of retail space, the Waterloo Street frontage, building capacity, and possible increases in transport use and parking.

“Members debated the application and discussed the loss of a retail site, the appearance of the proposed frontage on Waterloo Street, the capacity of the building, and the potential increase in transport use and parking.”

“At the invitation of the Chairperson, Councillor Thomas Daw, the ward councillor for Wrington, addressed the committee in support of the application, regarding parking, the design of the building, and the benefit of bringing business back to Waterloo Road, and how it will benefit the community.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application for the reasons given by officers and the update sheet, subject to the listed conditions and possible amendments.

“Resolved: That the application be APPROVED (for the reasons stated in the report and the published Update Sheet) subject to the following conditions and any other additional or amended conditions as may be required in consultation with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and local ward member:”

Minutes