“The Roads Can’t Cope” Anger Over Large Mosque Plans at One of Romford’s Busiest Junctions.

Residents across Romford have raised concerns over newly submitted plans to redevelop the Brickyard site into a large mosque, warning that the proposed location could add further pressure to an already congested area.

The Havering Daily has been contacted by a number of readers following confirmation that a formal planning application has now been submitted to Havering Council for the redevelopment of 222–226 South Street into a mosque and cultural centre.

Residents say their primary concern is the location. The South Street site sits close to one of Romford’s busiest junctions and is near Queen’s Hospital, an area already prone to heavy congestion, long queues and traffic delays, particularly during peak hours.

Councillors have been told that traffic matters have been reviewed and no major issues were anticipated in early assessments presented at meetings, yet residents go against these findings and feel that the plans will vastly increase congestion in the area.

Readers have told the Havering Daily they fear the development could significantly increase traffic and parking pressures in an area they say is already stretched to capacity. Concerns have also been raised about the cumulative impact of the development alongside existing road pressures linked to the hospital and surrounding arterial routes.

One resident said the area “simply cannot cope with additional traffic”, while others questioned whether adequate parking and traffic management measures could realistically be put in place.

The planning application, submitted by the Havering Islamic & Cultural Centre, seeks permission for the part demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a replacement mosque and cultural centre, including on-site car parking, landscaping and off-site pedestrian infrastructure works within the public highway.

According to planning documents, the proposed development would be spread across three levels and include prayer halls, community and education spaces, welfare facilities and associated amenities.

The current Havering mosque is due to be lost as part of the Bridge Close redevelopment after a compulsory purchase order was made by the council, with South Street identified during discussions as a potential replacement site.

Residents have stressed that their objections relate to the suitability of the location rather than the principle of a place of worship, and are urging the council to fully consider the traffic, access and infrastructure implications before any decision is made.

The application is now open to public consultation, with residents able to submit formal comments to Havering Council as part of the planning process. A decision is expected to be made by late March.

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