Report attached.

At the request of the Committee, the Developer Team presented in response to the concerns raised at an earlier developer presentation in respect of the following matters:

Transport and Movement

•              Number of attendees and comparison with existing

•              Times of day and days of the week

•              Where do Mosque users live (confirm that this is a local facility)

•              Confirm arrival/leaving patterns of movement and how these can be accommodated within the building / overall site / surrounding highway

•              Existing pedestrian crossing / junction (South Street, Oldchurch Road and Thurloe Gardens) capacity / waiting times

•              Drop off / pick up numbers and capacity of space in Oldchurch Rise car park

•              Impact on ring road (potential for queuing vehicles)

Building Design

•           Mosaic tiles (colour)

•           Prominence of the Portico

•           Scale of the Riverside entrance

•           Parity of space for men/women

As set out in the Committee rules, the Developer Team was given 20 minutes to present the scheme.

The Developer Team provided an overview of the proposed mosque development at South Street, including findings from travel surveys and pedestrian modelling. It was noted that most worshippers currently use nearby car parks, with only 7% parking on-street (primarily Blue Badge holders). The new mosque will include eight on-site Blue Badge spaces and contribute towards a signalised pedestrian crossing on Old Church Road to improve safety. Pedestrian modelling indicated acceptable comfort levels during peak Friday prayers, and management plans will address visitor and vehicle movements.

It was stated that the proposal is supported by local and London Plan policies and offers strong public transport accessibility.

A Member of the Council Councillor David Taylor also addressed the Committee on the development presentation. Councillor David Taylor commended the design quality, sustainability, and extensive community engagement. He highlighted the building’s architectural merit, its contribution to town centre regeneration, and excellent public transport links.

Members welcomed the detailed travel plan but raised concerns about pedestrian safety, drop-off arrangements, and managing large numbers during peak times. Questions were asked about parking provision compared to other mosques, including Cambridge, and whether traffic light-controlled crossings could be considered.

The Committee noted that there were unlikely to be significant developments requiring further scrutiny at this stage. However, it was acknowledged that the level of detailed information provided on pedestrian and vehicle movements was exceptional. Members expressed appreciation to the applicant for the effort made to demonstrate the potential impact on the community, noting that the submission clearly reflected consideration for local needs.

One Member commented that given the proximity to residential properties, they were reassured by the information provided and confident that the proposal would not be detrimental to the surrounding area. The Member further stated that places of worship should be beautiful buildings, designed to convey reverence, and that the plans presented achieved this aim. The architectural designs were described as remarkable and unlike anything currently under consideration. While there had been some discussion regarding the heritage of the existing building, it was the opinion of the Committee that the proposed design would preserve and enhance the site, which was currently underutilized and in poor condition.

The Committee heard that the development would provide a landmark building and a much-needed community facility in a sustainable location. The site benefits from excellent public transport links, with a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) rating of 6a, close to the highest possible score. This was considered significant, as it indicated that the facility would be easily accessible without reliance on private vehicles. The surrounding area was noted to have lower housing density compared to the applicant’s current location, which was seen as an improvement should relocation occur.

Members commended the applicant for extensive public consultation and pre-application engagement. The proposal was considered to align with relevant planning policies, including the Local Plan and the London Plan. Comments raised in earlier discussions regarding internal religious practices were noted as not being material planning considerations. The Committee was reminded that the planning system respects freedom of worship and decisions should remain focused on land use, transport, and design matters.

In conclusion, Members agreed that the scheme represented a well-designed, community-focused development appropriate for a major town centre. It was felt that the proposal respected heritage, improved the public realm, met local needs, and had been shaped through significant community engagement. The Committee was encouraged to recognise the substantial benefits the development would bring.

The following considerations were summarised as the points raised by the Committee at the meeting:

1.            Several questions have been addressed, which was welcomed, but some remain outstanding.

2.            Ongoing concern about pedestrian safety, particularly safe routes for crossing roads to and from the proposed site.

3.            Clarification requested on whether the Cambridge Mosque has on-site parking and what its drop-off arrangements are.

4.            Concern raised about drop-off activity near the proposed site and managing large numbers of attendees arriving and leaving at peak times.

5.            Suggestion to consider a full traffic light-controlled crossing (similar to Waterloo Road) instead of a zebra crossing for improved safety.

6.            Confirmation sought that the proposed crossing will be signalised and funded through a developer contribution.

7.            Clarification that on-site parking will be reserved for Blue Badge holders (disabled users).