Former Church in Watford Gains Approval for Mosque Conversion
In a decision that has ignited both support and debate, Watford Borough Council has granted planning permission for the conversion of a former church into a mosque. The Development Management Committee approved the redevelopment of St Thomas' United Reformed Church on Langley Road into a Muslim place of worship during a meeting on Monday, 3 February. This move follows the church's closure since 2015, with council documents highlighting that the building was "not fit for purpose" due to significant structural issues.
Community Benefits Outweigh Concerns in Council Decision
Councillors voted in favor of the proposal after determining that the broader community advantages surpassed worries about parking and traffic. An officers' report prepared for the meeting stated that the project met all planning requirements and did not pose any unacceptable harm. The report emphasized, "The proposal will provide significant benefits in respect of the reuse of the existing building and occupation as a place of worship with community facilities, and no adverse harm is identified that would warrant refusal." It further noted that the development aligns with the overall development plan, reinforcing its viability.
Mixed Public Reactions During Consultation Process
The public consultation phase revealed a divided community response, with 84 letters of support and 37 objections submitted to the council. Supporters welcomed the reuse of the site, praising its potential to serve as a community hub. However, objectors raised concerns including:
- Increased parking pressure in the area
- Potential noise disturbances from activities
- Objections based on the religious change from a Christian to a Muslim place of worship
Councillors clarified that religious objections are not considered relevant planning factors, while parking issues were addressed through a detailed transport assessment provided by the applicant. This assessment indicated that expected traffic levels would remain "well within the capacity of the surrounding network," with prayer times strategically staggered to prevent congestion.
Applicant Emphasizes Inclusive Community Vision
Mr Numan Majeed, the project lead for the proposed Masjid Al-Ummah mosque, spoke in support of the application, highlighting his local connections and the project's inclusive goals. He told councillors, "This proposal seeks to restore the tradition of a faith-led building serving the wider community. We want this to be a place that benefits not just worshippers, but local residents as well." The plans include an extension and major refurbishment of the existing structure, alongside the development of a nursery, café, and multi-purpose community spaces, aiming to foster broader engagement.
Conversion Work Set to Begin with Summer Opening Expected
With planning permission now secured, work on the site is anticipated to commence shortly, with the mosque scheduled to open later this summer. This conversion is part of a broader trend, as St Thomas' United Reformed Church is one of two former Watford churches recently considered for transformation into mosques. A separate proposal involving Leavesden Road Baptist Church was refused last week after planning officers concluded it would cause "substantial harm" to the significance of the listed building, though the applicant has indicated a revised application may be submitted.
The approval underscores ongoing discussions about religious spaces and community integration in urban planning, reflecting both the practical reuse of disused buildings and the emotional responses tied to religious identity.
