Report attached.

The Committee received a presentation on the partial demolition of existing building(s) and redevelopment of the site to erect a new Havering Islamic Community Centre.

The proposal has been the subject of 4 pre-application meetings with officers. The scheme was presented to Havering’s QRP meeting in September. Informed by the feedback gained from the meetings and the Quality Review Panel (QRP), the scheme has gradually evolved.

The Committee noted that the scheme is not finalised and it is anticipated that the proposals will further evolve before submission of a planning application.

With its agreement, a ward Councillor Judith Holt addressed the Committee and raised concerns and also sought clarifications on the proposal. Councillor Holt stated that the current site does not provide a distinctive or welcoming entry experience. Concerns were raised about the condition of the River Rom, which is not clean and has graffiti present, requiring attention. Councillor Holt requested further clarification on the proposed plans for improvements, as previous discussions were not fully clear.

Questions were raised regarding the location of the ladies’ entrance. At present, it is positioned at the rear of the building, which makes it less visible and potentially unsafe due to people loitering in the area. It was suggested that the entrance be relocated to the side of the building to improve visibility while maintaining separation from the men’s entrance.

Further concerns were expressed about the internal washing facilities. Currently, there are three main washing areas for men but only one a smaller area for women. Councillor Holt sought the reasoning behind this arrangement and suggested considering an additional washing area for women.

Additional questions included the height of the proposed minaret and whether the call to prayer would be broadcast audibly. On the consultation process, Councillor Holt asked specifically who had been involved in developing the plans—whether it was solely mosque representatives or included wider community input.

Councillor Holt agreed that the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre requires a new home. It was emphasized that the chosen location and design must meet all requirements and ensure collaboration with the local community so that the Centre achieves a suitable and welcoming environment.

The following points were agreed as a summary of the Committee’s views on the Development.

1. Attendance and Capacity

•           Members queried the projected attendance figures and requested comparison data with similar facilities.

•           Clarification sought on peak attendance times, days of the week, and how arrivals/departures will be managed to avoid congestion.

2. Traffic and Transport

•           Concerns raised about site location and its impact on nearby roads, pedestrian safety, and junction management.

•           Requests for:

o          Detailed drop-off management plan, including marshals.

o          Evidence that vehicles stopping for pick-up will not cause hazards.

o          Parking capacity assessment at Church Rise.

o          Full traffic management scheme prior to planning submission.

•           Members emphasized the need for a detailed Travel Plan to encourage public transport use and avoid car dependency.

•           Assessment of bus service capacity and opportunities for improvement requested.

3. Design and Heritage

•           Positive comments on retaining the building and incorporating heritage features, such as the coloured mosaic.

•           Suggestions for artistic or visually pleasing security measures instead of standard fencing.

•           Landscaping proposals should include:

o          Replacement of lost trees with robust alternatives.

o          Consideration of green roofs or living walls.

•           Concerns about rear elevation appearance and overall visual impact.

4. Noise and Environmental Considerations

•           Clarification requested on whether the minaret will include loudspeakers.

•           Noise attenuation measures must ensure no disturbance to nearby residential properties.

•           Design to include extraction systems for cooking fumes from the outset.

•           Waste storage and collection arrangements to be addressed.

5. Internal Layout and Accessibility

•           Queries on adequacy of space for women and provision for disabled users.

•           Comment on parity of facilities and accommodation sizes.

6. Wider Public Realm

•           Suggestions to improve public realm beyond site boundaries, including wayfinding and signage.

7. Community Impact

•           Question raised on whether the facility is primarily for the local community or a wider catchment area.

8. Next Steps

•           Members agreed that traffic and pedestrian safety require further discussion before planning submission.

•           Recommendation for an additional pre-application meeting focused on transport and access issues.