Havering Council Encourage Public To Have Their Say On New Mosque Plans For Busy South Street Junction.

Havering Council Cabinet Members are encouraging members of the public to participate in Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s (HICC) public consultation and their proposed relocation to South Street, as part of their pre-planning submission process.

The relocation plans come after the HICC agreed to work with the Council and Bridge Close Regeneration LLP (BCR LLP) to achieve its regeneration proposals for Bridge Close which would require acquisition of their current premises.

Any other money needed to support their plans will be raised by the HICC.

The Bridge Close regeneration includes a new primary school, health services, community and business space and new affordable homes for local people. The support from Cabinet Members and the Council are in their roles as owner and promoter of Bridge Close Regeneration.

To ensure the community is fully informed and has an opportunity to share their views on the proposals, the HICC will be holding an open event and are encouraging residents to attend.  Representatives from the Cabinet and Regeneration team will also be attending.

• Thursday 27 February 2025, 3.30pm to 6.30pm, The Brewery Shopping Centre (near Sainsburys)
• Proposals are also on display at hicc.your-feedback.co.uk, where comments can be made until Friday 14 March 2025.

Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, said:

“Whilst we had originally considered that the centre could be provided as part of the existing plans for Bridge Close, we fully support the HICC’s decision to seek an alternative location in Romford as well as their wish to expand their services to their congregation and the wider community. We have been engaging with owners and occupiers of South Street for some time to help make this a reality.

“A move requires HICC to raise significant additional funding from the community, in addition to the settlement, based upon compulsory purchase principles for the existing site.

“We encourage all residents to participate in the upcoming public consultation and share their views in a respectful and tolerant way, which reflects our civilised society. We are all part of the same community and we should all have the same rights, be that in how we worship or where we meet.”

Once submitted, the application for the scheme proposal will follow the existing planning process.

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