“Not Supported” Elm Park Worship Leader Speaks Out Against Large Romford Mosque Plans.

A man who has been running a place of worship in Elm Park has hit out at plans to build a large mosque in the centre of Romford, warning it would inevitably increase congestion and risk creating unnecessary tension in the wider community.

Mr Siddiqui, who says he is speaking on behalf of many members of the Muslim community, has raised a series of concerns about the proposed development by Havering Islamic Cultural Centre on South Street. He believes the plans could have a significant impact on public safety, infrastructure and community cohesion.

He told the Havering Daily that the location itself is one of the biggest issues.

“I do not support the provision of HICC plans as I believe that this particular proposal raises significant issues relating to public safety, infrastructure capacity, and community impact.”

Mr Siddiqui, who has been running his own place of worship in Elm Park, said the borough already has a number of established facilities serving the Muslim community and questioned the need for another large scale site.

“Thirdly, Havering already has eight groups and several established places of worship serving the Muslim community. These facilities currently provide adequate capacity for worship and community needs.”

Concerns have also been raised by residents about the location, with South Street already known as a highly congested and busy area. Locals say the junction regularly sees heavy traffic and high pedestrian footfall, adding to fears that any major development could place further strain on the area.

Mr Siddiqui echoed those concerns, pointing to the potential risks during busy periods and large gatherings.

“Firstly, the proposed location on South Street is already an extremely busy and constrained area. It sits at a complex and high traffic junction, with regular use by emergency services and heavy pedestrian movement. The introduction of a large scale religious facility at this location would inevitably increase congestion and create serious public safety risks, particularly at peak times and during large gatherings.”

He also raised specific concerns about plans for funeral related services at the site, warning that a lack of parking provision could lead to further disruption.

“Secondly, the proposal appears to include funeral related services without adequate provision for parking. This is deeply concerning. Funeral services typically attract significant attendance, and without sufficient parking infrastructure, there is a high likelihood of vehicles obstructing roads, footpaths, and emergency access routes.”

Mr Siddiqui added that while he supports the needs of the community, developments of this scale must be carefully considered to avoid wider impact.

“Furthermore, developments of this nature, if not carefully planned and appropriately located, risk creating unnecessary tension within the wider community.”

He is now calling on the council to review the proposal in full, particularly around safety, traffic and overall need, and has suggested that alternative locations outside of such a busy town centre should be considered.

“In light of the above concerns, particularly those relating to public safety, traffic congestion, inadequate parking, and overall necessity, I respectfully request that this proposal is carefully reviewed and not approved in its current form.”

The concerns come as discussions around the development continue, with both community voices and planning considerations expected to play a key role in the decision making process.

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