West Ham “mega mosque” group win planning battle over temporary site

This breaking news from London 24 is a huge disappointment.

An Islamic group planning a so-called “mega mosque” in West Ham have won a challenge to keep their current base open. Leaders of Tablighi Jamaat were bidding to overturn an enforcement notice served on their Riverine Centre in Canning Road by Newham Council in February 2010.

Temporary planning permission was granted in 2001, but expired in 2006, since when the group have continued to use the site. At a public inquiry at Newham Town Hall, East Ham, held earlier this year, the group argued they should be granted a two-year extension.

And in a decision notice published today, planning inspector Graham Dudley granted their request — despite admitting harm would be caused to the area and that there was a history of non-compliance with planning guidelines.

He said the “substantial need” for religious facilities and the scarcity of land and finances for new community buildings outweighed the negative factors.